Feb. 3, 1888.] 



SCIENTIFIC NEV\^S. 



99 



CHINESE KITES. 



IN Europe, paper kites are merely an amusement for 

 boys. But in Japan, and especially in China, they 

 •occupy the attention of grown men. Perhaps in conse- 



figure shows the method of attaching the strings by 

 which it is fixed. These kites are about thirty-nine inches 

 in breadth. 



Figure 2 shows the " Musical Kite," so called because 

 it is fitted up with a resounding-piece of bamboo, R, 



Fig. I. 



■quence their construction has been more closely studied, 

 and they are to be found in a number of different shapes. 

 We have the opportunity of reproducing illustrations of 

 some of the bestdesigns from our contemporary, Z,aA^«^Kr^. 

 These figures are drawn from models brought over 

 to Paris by M. Huchet. 



Fig. 2. 



perforated with three holes. When the kite is in use, 

 the air being drawn into the resounding-piece produces 

 a very intense and plaintive sound, which can be heard 

 at a great distance. The musical kite is constructed much 

 like the former one, but the transverse rods of the frame 

 are united at their two extremities, and give the entire 



Figure i represents the simplest of these forms ; its 

 Sirame-work consists of a rigid rod of bamboo, AB, of two 

 lateral rods slightly curved, CD, EF. A sheet of paper 

 is glued upon this frame, and is but slightly stretched at 

 the extremities CE and DF. By the action of the wind 

 it forms at these extremities two bags, which keep the 

 system in an excellent position of equilibrium. Our 



system almost the appearance of two wings of a bird 

 fastened to a central axle. The apparatus is sometimes 

 of a great size, up to 11 feet in diameter. 



The resounders are often three or four in number 

 and are fixed above the kite. They give out a deep and 

 very decided sound. According to M. Huchet, the 

 musical kite is verj^ common in China and in Tonkin. 



