High Flyer No.1 Kite

The next thing to do is to add the bridle strings. Take a pieceof strong string, which is 3 ft. in length and tie it at a point which is 6 in. from the bottom of the backbone. Pierce the cover here, and thread the string through. A second piece of string, which is 4 ft. 6 in. in length is tied in the form of a loop to the top ends of the crossbars. Tie the bottom string to the centre of the loop and the bridle is complete. Attach the kite line to the bottom bridle string by means of a reef knot and a bowline knot, which will permit the line to be adjusted in order to obtain the best angle for flying the kite. See Chapter 7 on knots, under the heading 'Methods'.

The tail is formed by three pieces of fine string. Two pieces, each 2 ft. in length, are tied to the bottom ends of the crossbars. The third piece, which is 5 ft. in length, is tied to the bottom of the backbone. Lay the kite on a table, pull the bottom tail string tight and tie the other two strings to it, so that they too are taut. Thread a number of thin cardboard discs on to the tail string, by means of four holes punched in the discs. Make these discs in different colours, or glue metallic foil paper to them so that they will glitter in the light. Position them about 6 in. apart on the line and tie the latter in a bow at the end.

If desired, a pennant may be flown from the top of the back­bone. See 'Accessories' in Chapter 7 for making these. Altogether this is a strong and attractive kite, with a good performance. An alternative conventional tail is shown in the illustration

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