CHAP. xn.J PRINCIPLE OF FLIGHT. 



425 



from falling. With the hovering and drifting Albatross, 

 part of the resolved force of the wind is employed in 

 causing the onward motion of the bird, and part in 

 keeping it from sinking, parachute-wise to the earth, 

 and gravity, or the attraction of the earth, answers to 

 the tension of the string of the kite ; but still the string 

 exists to all intents and purposes, as actually as if it 

 were made of hemp or iron wire. 



There is at work in the universe many an agent that 

 is little suspected. A power is not the less potent and 

 real because it happens to be unseen, nor even if it be 

 included amongst the things that are absolutely in- 

 visible. 



