Page:Kitecraft and kite tournaments (1914).djvu/90

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
There was a problem when proofreading this page.

CHAPTER X

SUSPENDED FIGURES AND APPLIANCES.

These devices are usually suspended from the kite line. It is necessary to have enough suspension cords attached to prevent twisting up with the main line. Most of the devices will float out and have some lifting power of their own, but some will require a kite that can sustain some weight, in some cases a pound or more.

Flags and Banners. One of the prettiest attachments is the American flag. This can be attached in two ways: first by means of a vertical stick of some weight, Fig. 162, and second by using the horizontal stick, as in Fig. 163. A pleasing trick is to have the flag folded (do not wind on the stick) and covered, tied loosely with bow knots that are easily untied, and when the flag is well up, the tripping string is pulled and the flag released. The string of the bow-knot passes down the kite line thru little loops of wire attached to the main line to prevent the tripping string from getting twisted therein. If two are operating, one can stand at a little distance so as not to get the two strings twisted, and thus avoid the wire loops.

Fig. 163.Fig. 162.

82