reover, we cannot doubt that the sight of a mine containing even ten
or twelve pounds of high explosive dangling at the end of a wire would
precipitate a retreat on the part of an airship more speedily than any
other combative expedient.

The advocate of this mine-trawling method, who is a well-known aviator,
anticipates no difficulty in manoeuvring a mine weighing 30 pounds at
the end of 300 feet of fine wire. Success depends in a great measure on
the skill of the aviator in maintaining a constant tension upon the line
until it falls across its objective.

The process calls for a certain manifestation of skill in manoeuvring
the aeroplane in relation to the airship, judgment of distance, and
ability to operate the aeroplane speedily. The rapid ascensional
capability of the airship, as compared with that of the aeroplane, is a
disadvantage, but on the other hand, the superior mobility and speed of
the aeroplane would tell decisively for success.

Among the many wonders which the Krupp organisation is stated to have
perfected, and which it is claimed will create considerable surprise, is
the aerial torpedo. Many of the Krupp claims are wildly chimerical,
as events have already proved, but there is no doubt that considerable
effort has been expended upon this latest missile, for which the firm is
said to have paid the inventor upwards of L25,000--$125,000. Curiously
enough the projectile was perfected within gunshot of the British
aerodrome of Hendon and is stated to have been offered to the British
Government at the time, and to have met with a chilling reception. One
fact, however, is well established. The inventor went to Germany, and
submitted his idea to Krupp, by whom it was tested without delay. Upon
the completion of the purchase, the great armament manufacturers did not
fail to publish broadcast the fact that they had acquired a mysterious
new terror of the skies. That was some three years ago, and in the
interval the cleverest brains of the German firm have been steadily
devoting their time and energies to the improvement of the missile, the
first appearance of which was recorded, in a somewhat hazy manner, in
the closing days of December.

While the exact mechanism of this missile is a secret, the governing
principles of its design and operation are known to a select few
technicians in this country. Strange to say, the projectile was designed
in the first instance in the interests of peace and humanity, but