A FLYING-MACHINE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3159, 13 August 1881, Page 3

A FLYING-MACHINE.

It is now learned that Dr. Daniel Asbury's flying-machine will be given its finishing touches within one week. For two years Dr. Asbury, with the aid of a skilled mechanic, has been engaged in perfecting his idea. So far as can be gathered from the description of those who have enjoyed the privilege of viewing its construction, about the following idea is given of it: The invention reverts to first principles for its basis. Nature furnishes the model, and the birds of the air are robbed of the secret of their motive power for its purpose. The body of the invention is in shape something between a boat and the body of a bird. The wings are made of canvas and constructed in imitation of a bird's wings. Thoy measure thirty feet from tip to tip. They are made to operate, not by striking the arms, as is supposed, but by ingenious machinery to which a pedal is attached, and which is worked by the foot like a sewing-machine. This is only used when it is desired to ascend. As soon as a proper altitude is reached the flapping of the wings is dispensed with, and the wings being extended on a level, the bird machine, with the aid of propellers on the sides, sails through the air any distance desired. The machine is nicely balanced, and if it is desired to descend, all that is necessary is to throw a little extra weight forward to give tlie beak the right incline downward, and the object is attained. Dr Asbury's reputation as an inventor is established by his method of curing tobacco, extensively in tise in this State and in Virginia, and leads to a hope that his latest idea may be a success. —Charlotte Observer.