the elaborate
German aerial patrol of harbours, the base for such aerial operations
being established upon the island of Heligoland.

So far the stern test of war as applied to the science of aeronautics
has emphasised the fact that as a naval unit the dirigible is a complete
failure. Whether experience will bring about a modification of these
views time alone will show, but it is certain that existing principles
of design will have to undergo a radical revision to achieve any notable
results. The aeroplane alone has proved successful in this domain, and
it is upon this type of aerial craft that dependence will have to be
placed.

CHAPTER XIX. THE NAVIES of THE AIR

Less than three years ago the momentous and spectacular race among
the Powers of Europe for the supremacy of the air began. At first the
struggle was confined to two rivals--France and Germany--but as time
progressed and the importance of aerial fleets was recognised, other
nations, notably Great Britain, entered the field.

Germany obtained an advantage. Experiment and research were taken up at
a point which had been reached by French effort; further experiments and
researches were carried out in German circles with secret and feverish
haste, with the result that within a short time a pronounced degree of
efficiency according to German ideals had been attained. The degree of
perfection achieved was not regarded with mere academic interest; it
marked the parting of the ways: the point where scientific endeavour
commanded practical appreciation by turning the success of the laboratory
and aerodrome into the channel of commercial manufacture. In other
words, systematic and wholesale production was undertaken upon an
extensive scale. The component parts were standardised and arrangements
were completed with various establishments possessed of the most
suitable machinery to perfect a programme for turning out aeronautical
requirements in a steady, continuous stream from the moment the crisis
developed.

The wisdom of completing these arrangements in anticipation is now
apparent. Upon the outbreak of hostilities many German establishments
devoted to the production of articles required in the infinite
ramifications of commerce found themselves deprived of their markets,
but there was no risk that their large plants would be brought to a
standstill: the Government ordered the manufacture of aeroplane parts
and motors upon an extensive scale. In this manne