present machines fly. The making and the using
are separate and independent functions, and of
the two the more important is the knowledge how
to make a correct machine.

Hundreds of workmen may contribute to the
building of a locomotive, but one man, not a
builder, knows better how to handle it. To
manipulate a flying machine is more difficult to
navigate than such a ponderous machine, because
it requires peculiar talents, and the building is
still more important and complicated, and requires
the exercise of a kind of skill not necessary
in the locomotive.

The art is still very young; so much is done
which arises from speculation and theories; too
much dependence is placed on the aviator; the
desire in the present condition of the art is to exploit
the man and not the machine; dare-devil exhibitions
seem to be more important than perfecting
the mechanism; and such useless attempts as
flying upside down, looping the loop, and characteristic
displays of that kind, are of no value to
the art.
THE AUTHOR.



AEROPLANES