Living Aeroplanes.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 47, 19 June 1917, Page 2

Living Aeroplanes.

It would be a mistake to suppose that the bird’s wings enable it to fly. If wings spelt flying, any of us could attach a pair and soar into the air. The hollow bones make light bodies, but they are attached to a rigid backbone, which forms the main feature of the bird’s body. This gives the central firmness, and the muscles do the rest. The wings balance their owners, and the tail acts as a rudder for steering. Often enough the bird seems to use its tail as a sort of brake. It is interesting to compare the bird with the product of man’s skill —the aeroplane. To begin with, there is no aeroplane made which copies the up and down motion of the bird’s wings, or planes. But, naturally, man first tried to copy the living fliers around him. He made wings of feathw-s, etc., connected them with bia shoulders and legs, and found that his muscles could not raise him an inch. The - muscles, or motors, which now drive him through the air are as strong as 200 horses, so no wonder he failed at first. Even the bird, with a body so perfectly formed for flight, has flying muscles equal in weight to all its other muscles put together.