Evening star., 1933-08-31
E MATIN, Paris.-It Is. at the
moment, the time for lavender.
but the flower itself you rarely

but the flower lCSel you Tareiy
IL see except In those remote and
picturesque streets where Few
old fashioned merchants still sell nose
gays of those pretty little nlac-purple
fiowerets. We are unfortunately. most
of us. much better acquainted with its
composites or essences In the form OF
sachets, and that delightful perfume In
tiny vials. both of which are used to inn
part delicate fragrance to our armorles,
"wardrobesO, chests. and bureau-
drawers. Few, indeed. are the worthy
housekeepers or ladies OF fashion VINO
do not constantly avail themselves at
least Of these distilled or powdered de-
riyaties Of this refreshing blossom. 1t
Is as necessary an art In the domestic
routine as the making OF confitures ana
condiments. Many charming age-olo
customs and habitudes are obsolete
We trust that the tradition OF lavender
may not be one to join that vanishing
train, either from lack OF sentiment. OF
sheer neglect. Dwellers In large cities
especially. should all discover anew the
gracious fragrant "reminiscences OF this
ancient mode.
Portuguese Claim
First Plane Invention.
The Evening Times. Glasgow: The
Portuguese claim that compatriot was
the first man to ny heavler-tnan-ali
machine. s.
The memoirs of Donna Marie da
Gloria give the name of this pioneer as
Joao Torto. He new at Wien, IN Port
usal, nearly 400 years ago.
On June /, l540, this woman writer
of the sixteenth century recounts, Torto
q teacher, of Vizeu. sent the town crlel
round with the following announce
ment:
"Be it known to the inhabitants OF
this town that this month will not END
without the greatest Of miracles being
seen-which is man with magic
wings flying from the belfry tower Of
the Cathedral to st. Matthews Fields
Donna Gloria goes on to describe the
machine, the motive power OF winch
was supplied by the muscular strengtn
of the aviator.
The machine had four wings Of calico
the lower smaller than the upper pair
They were joined by iron hoops lined
with rags. Through these the intrepio
flyer thrust his arms and legs. He
carried the whole superstructllre on his
back.
ing kit"-the main feature Of which
was a cap designed to represent the
head of an eagle with gaping beak
through which he peered out upon the
earth.
His strange machine was hoisted te
the top Of the belfry tower. Below. n
the town square, townsfolk and people
from the neighboring countryside as
sembled in such numbers that mot 9
drop of water could have fallen be-
tween them to the ground"
As the hour of five tolled, Torte
launched himself into space above the
astonished upturned faces of the crowo
below.
LAS though. indeed, q miracle had
been vouclnsafed," it is recorded, "did
Master Torto cleave his way through
the imponderable air toward the fields
of st. Matthew"
Unfortunately. at that critical mo-
ment, states Reuter-, the eagles head
slipped down over the airman's eyes
Blinded and confused, he hovered fol
some seconds, his arms and legs beating
frantically. Then he dived. beak first
upon q roof, but he escaped with his
life.
There appears to be no record Of 9
second attempt to conquer the air or
the part Of TOrto.
X +