Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-07-20

o great profile map of the. atmosphere
which task has never yet been accomplish
ed Temperature and barometric curves
electric currents, &C., will be located for
various parts of the country and for differ
ent seasons of the year.
Such data will be as necessary to the en-
gfneers of flying machines, when practically
perfected as charts are to sailors. Balloon
ing can be then carried on with much less
risk than at present, since 1t will be an
easy matter to determine what currents of
air are likely to be met at various heights
just as IT IS now a small task to find tine
gulf stream or the trade winds. A still
greater service will be rendered by this in
formation to scientists, who now believe
that men will be able to soar like birds as
soon as the upper air currents are definitely
understood.
The Importance of Kites.
Kites will be flown to different heights in
hot waves during electric, wind ar rain
storms, in cold waves during snow or hail
storms. and, in fact, during every possible
phase Of weather. The reason why the
slopes and submits Of high noun tains can
not be utilized for just such observations
Is hG,ause when at the top Of the highest
mountain the observer might just as we'll
be on the lowest point Of ground as far as
the temperature curves, ETC., are concerned,
as they are parallel to the earth's surface
in all places. The Eiffel tower is the high
est stationary point at which experiments
tngton monument comes next.
The experiment ground wherein the tests
will be made is a short distance beyond
Arlington. The practical management of
Prof. McAdie's assistant, who aspires to
become the champion kite flyer of the
world. Mr.. Potter's kites, Of which ten are
already constructed, are what are known
as the Malay or tailless kites, some of them
being on the order of the Eddy kite. while
those later made are. it is claimed improve
ments on that design. The tailless kite,
first used by the Maays is somewhat dia-
mond shape in outline. the point where the
diagonal ribs cross being very near to the
top;
kite is bent in the shape of bow, while
that of the Potter kite Is so formed that
the cover, when viewed edgewise, repre-
sents the compound curve of birds wings
In flight. The convex side of the surface is
toward the flyer. when the string is at
tached. The point of attachment has been
carefully calculated so that the weight Of
the bottom point Of the kite obviates the
necessity of a tail. such as always adorns
the schoolboy's kite.
Witnessed the Flight.
Tho writer. who was invited this week to
accompany Prof. Meade and Mr.. Potter to
the scene of these experiments, saw several
Of the kites go UP to a remarkable height
on warm. sultry day, when there was lit
tie or no breeze perceptible. There was no
running preparatory 10 the hight, The
kites were simply held at the proper angle
and let go. A large reel. the size of
grind stone fed as much cord
as was wanted. At go feet apart. each kite
was tied on separate cord, about fifty
feet long.
In the great tandem team of kites, soon
to make this great journey, the two leaders
measure each six feet high by seven feet
wide. Each of the eight others following
is five feet high by six wide. Although so
great in area-forty-two square feet-these
larger kites weigh only a pound and
quarter apiece To send the whole ten
kites ZIP to the height of two miles there
will have to be used at least four miles OF
cord. To accurately calculate the height to
which these kites ascend surveyors
transit will be used and the distances
worked out by triapgulaticn.
In most of the experiments The kites will
DO kept in the air for twelve hours If posi-
perature curves, etc. may be had a self
registering Thermometer of special design
will he sent up. attached near the top of
the line. This is a small aluminium box
containing clock works for revolving n
small drum upon which are traced the lines
representing the degree of temperature for
each fraction OF the day or hour. This Will
run for eight days. 1t weighs altogether
two ard one-hnlf pounds, which weight
can be easily carried to enormous heights.
What the Kites Are Made OF.
China silk, muslin, drilling, gloria and pa
per are each used for Co, ring the kites.
One-half of them are made white and the
others black, the latter being the moro con-