The San Francisco call., 1896-12-20

take hold of the matter, but was too old.
finally had TO give it up, but have in
sisted to this day that my plan was prac-
ticable one.
Did l ever try any other scheme for
air navigation? No. not on large scale
But did make an aerial veIocipede which
operated surprisingly well. 1t consisted
! OF two cartridge shaped balloons OF
oiled silk, kept in position by ash frames
and properly inflated. The puoyant
power was barely sufficient to lift the ap-
paratus and ones weight. The conical
ends pointed in opposite directions, and
the two balloons were kept few feet
apart by strong connecting pieces of asn
Between the ash pieces was arranged a.
seat and fcotrest. This apparatus would
support one in the air and only the
means OF locomotlon were lacking. This
lack l supplied with oars, which prac-
tically made the craft an aerial row.
boat. In order to get the desired re-
sistance on the oars, L made them like
huge fans. consisting of strong light
framework, covered with silk. I fast
ened the oars in the rowlocks
so that I would not lose them.
My scheme was to propel the craft in a
forward direction. which would make it
necessary to push on the oars instead of pull
ing on them. 1t would also be requisite to
feather them carefully so that after one
push l could without much resistance re-
cover them In position for the next push.
To get an upward or downward motion I
would only need to turn the oars at a
signify different angle when pushing
them. BY worrying unequally on the two
oars | could turn to the right or left as
desired. These were the movements bv
which / believed / would be able TO navi-
gate the craft. The test verified nv
theories.
lone bright afternoon when there was
no breeze to interfere with operations. I
took the velocipede to Central Park for a
trial. Hundreds of people watched opera.
tions. When everything was in readiness
even to small locker of provisions which
carried, took my position in the seat.
grasped the oars and prepared to leave
terra frma. thought to myself the re-
sistance of the big fan-like oars against
the air would be slight, and accordingly l
gave them very strong push. The result
was gratifying, yet startling.
"The idea of rowing through the air
worked SO well that at orce determined
to begin manufacturing the new craft.
planned that within month should
have the air velocipedes on the market
and be able to sell them for $500 or less
apiece.
''One day. soon after the successful trial
of the machine, met Professor Wise and
told him of my proposed manufacturing
scheme.
Don't do it, said he.
"'Don't Go itP Why notr said l in
amazement.
I" If you manufacture such craft he
explained, 'all the young scions of the no.
bility and other sons of wealthy parents
will buy them. The ease with which the
machines may be propelled will tempt the
boys to racing and all other kinds of fast
flying. The first you know some of the
reckless ones will have mldair collision.
their machines will break, there will be
great fall and somebody will be response
Bile for one or more lads deaths. Do you
want to assume such responsibility :?
"These declarations of Professor Wise
impressed me so strongly that I made up
my mind | didn't. W. r. GREENwoop.
There are IN Paris 5000 women who are