exceptional features, which eclipsed the previous efforts
of Messrs. Julliot and Lebaudy.

Unfortunately, however, this vessel was wrecked in a very
terrible manner. While out cruising with a crew of four officers
one of the propeller blades was suddenly fractured, and, flying
off with immense force, it entered the balloon, which it ripped
to pieces. The majestic craft crumpled up and crashed to the
ground, killing its crew in its fall.

In the illustration facing p. 17, of a Lebaudy air-ship, we have
a good type of the semi-rigid craft. In shape it somewhat
resembles an enormous porpoise, with a sharply-pointed nose.
The whole vessel is not as symmetrical as a Zeppelin dirigible,
but its inventors claim that the sharp prow facilitates the
steady displace ment of the air during flight. The stern is
rounded so as to provide sufficient support for the rear planes.

Two propellers are employed, and are fixed outside the car, one
on each side, and almost in the centre of the vessel. This is a
some what unusual arrangement. Some inventors, such as Mr.
Spencer, place the propellers at the prow, so that the air-ship
is DRAWN along; others prefer the propeller at the stern, whereby
the craft is PUSHED along; but M. Julliot chose the central
position, because there the disturbance of the air is smallest.

The body of the balloon is not quite round, for the lower part is
flattened and rests on a rigid frame from which the car is
suspended. The balloon is divided into three compartments, so
that the heavier air does not move to one part of the balloon