pivoted his wings as in the Antoinette type of power-propelled
aeroplane, proving to his own satisfaction that success lay in
this direction. His own account of the gliding flights carried
out under his direction is here set forth, being the best
description of his work that can be obtained:--

'When I commenced practical demonstration in my work with
aeroplanes I had before me three points; first, equilibrium;
second, complete control; and third, long continued or soaring
flight. In starting I constructed and tested three sets of
models, each in advance of the other in regard to the
continuance of their soaring powers, but all equally perfect as
to equilibrium and control. These models were tested by
dropping them from a cable stretched between two mountain tops,
with various loads, adjustments and positions. And it made no
difference whether the models were dropped upside down or any
other conceivable position, they always found their equilibrium
immediately and glided safely to earth.

'Then I constructed a large machine patterned after the first
model, and with the assistance of three cowboy friends
personally made a number of flights in the steep mountains near
San Juan (a hundred miles distant). In making these flights I
simply took the aeroplane and made a running jump. These tests
were discontinued after I put my foot into a squirrel hole in
landing and hurt my leg.

'The following year I commenced the work on a larger scale, by
engaging aeronauts to ride my aeroplane dropped from balloons.
During this work I used five hot-air balloons and one gas