276 A NATURALIST IN HIMALAYA 



take to the more energetic motion of flapping its wings. 

 It is very different in the presence of wind. As soon 

 as the gentlest breeze appears the bird becomes less 

 helpless ; on the windward side of the circle it begins 

 to rise slightly, but if the breeze is only a gentle waft 

 of air, the rise up wind is not sufficient to counteract 

 the fall down wind, and the consequence is that the 

 bird will still continue to descend but less rapidly than 

 if there was no wind at all. The breeze grows into a 

 sensible current and, as it strengthens, the gain in 

 height increases to the windward ; the bird's ascent up 

 wind has now equalled its descent down wind and the 

 kite can with motionless wings maintain itself aloft. 

 Still the wind grows stronger ; the leaves now rustle 

 on the trees and the air is felt streaming round the 

 mountain side. The kite has now gained mastery 

 over the element ; no longer are its movements 

 deliberate and restrained, no longer does it struggle 

 to hold itself aloft ; it rises high to windward as it 

 circles free and full of life. From the invisible air it 

 has grasped the power to raise it from the ground. 

 Higher and higher, but with never a quiver of the 

 wing, it rises towards the snowy peaks, and the 

 strengthening wind renews and still renews its height 

 as it faces the current on every circle. It displays its 

 complete conquest of the air. The valleys, the belts 

 of conifers, the glaciers and the snows pass in 

 succession before its proud ascent. Now it has risen 

 above the glittering peaks and feels the breeze free 

 and unconfined. Round and round it circles sailing 

 with complete ease. Now rising, now sinking, it no 

 longer depends upon its own efforts, but it takes its 

 power from the wind of heaven and, full of confidence 



