Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-09-16
DELIGHTFUL SPORT
IN AIR Gliding.
1T Is THE NEXT THING TO FLYING
AND YOU CAN BOT HELP EN-
JOYING IT'S EXHILARA-
TION

It has remained for versatile Ameri-
can genius TO convert to sportive pur-
poses one of the most useful inventions
I in the world of science, and football
| this season will have formidable ri
val in the fascinating sport of gliding.
Unfortunately gliding is an expensive
amusement, but this, it must be con-
fe.sed, is a drawback found in almost
every newly invented amusement, and
one that can only be overcome by time.
For the indulgment OF this new
sport a gliding machine or lite is re-
quired-and fondness for aerial navi-
cation.
The machine in question has the ap-
pearance of two long sheets of white
canvas running horizontally with each
other, and joined at each end by two
uprights. The canvas is enclosed, as
it were, in kind of frame of strong
wood, made more rigid by eleven cross
bars for the use of the aeronaut when
in mid air, while tail completes the
apparatus.
The start.
In getting ready for fight the most
difficult matter is to get the right poise,
especially on a windy day.
Indeed, unless the operator has had
some previous experience with kitty
ing machines, the exertion required in
keeping the apparatus steady would be
more than he could manage. The only
way to keep the machine still in the
wind is to brace it well against the
back, keeping the front edge depressed
and facing Hhe wind accurately. AS
soon as the poise has been obtained two
or three running steps are taken, the
front edge is slightly raised, and leap
is taken forward.
After the machine has been started,
however, gliding becomes a most de-
lightful and exhilarating sport, afford
ing all the thrilling sensations of a
spirited yacht race.
The air. catching the canvas, lifts the
machine up and carries it forward at
a slightly descending angle, the mo-
tive power being furnished by gravity,
and the supporting power, which is due
to the speed, being assisted by the adj
verse wind. Astonishing as it may seem,
glide of 800 feet long, occupying
about eight to fifteen seconds to ac-
complish, is frequently attained.
One would naturally imagine that
gliding on an apparatus Of this de-
seription would be most simple mat
ter provided one had the necessary
nerve and strength. If the wind is
steady, and the operator has placed
himself at just the right point within
the arm bars, the glide might continue
without any movement on the mans
part, but there are incidents which are
apt to occur In consequence Of the ir-
regularity Of the wind, such as sudden
gusts, which at once upset the equili-
brium.
Its Management.
II should be pointed out that when
in flight the bodily movements should
be just the reverse of those which are
lnstlnctively made if standing on the
ground. In the latter case, if one finds
himself going over in one direction, the
foot on that side is instinctively thrown
out to that side; on a flying machine
if one wing is found to be depressed,
the weight should be thrown to the op-
posite side in order to bring the wing
down. This naturally requires some
little practice, but after time, gliding
enthusiasts claim, it is done semi-au-
tomatically and without stopping to
think.
1nese glides, of course are invaria-
bly, done down steep slope or hill. AT
ter glide of 200 or 800 feet the opera
tor can alight without discomfort A
skillful aeronaut would not strike the
ground with greater force than would
be produced by a jump OF only two or
three feet.
The sport, it is declared, is so excit-