rection, and that the
country is almost as unfavourable for landing there as over the forest
itself. In fact, we will imagine an extreme case, where the airman is
over country quite unsuitable for landing except toward the south;
that is, exactly opposite to the direction in which he starts to glide.
Fortunately, there is no reason why he should not steer his machine
right round in the air, even though the only power is that derived
from the force of gravity. His descent would be in an immense slope,
extending 10 or 12 miles from the place where the engine stopped
working. He would therefore be able to choose a suitable landing-place
and reach earth quite safely.

But supposing the airman to be flying about a hundred yards above the
forest-an occurrence not likely to happen with a skilled airman, who
would probably take an altitude of nearly a mile. Almost before he could
have time to alter his elevating plane, and certainly long before he
could reach open ground, he would be on the tree-tops.

It is thought that in the near future air-craft will be fitted with two
or more motors, so that when one fails the other will keep the machine
on its course. This has been found necessary in Zeppelin air-ships. In
an early Zeppelin model, which was provided with one engine only, the
insufficient power caused the pilot to descend on unfavourable ground,
and his vessel was wrecked. More recent types of Zeppelins are fitted
with three or four engines. Experiments have already been made with the
dual-engine plant for aeroplanes, notably by Messrs. Short Brothers, of
Rochester, and the tests have given every satisfaction.

There is little doubt that if the large passenger aeroplane is made
possible, and if parliamentary powers have to be obtained for the
formation of companies for passenger traffic by aeroplane, it will be
made compulsory to fit machines with two or more engines, driving three
or four distinct propellers. One of the engines would possibly be of
inferior power, and used only in cases of emergency.

Still another cause of accident, which in some cases has proved fatal,
is the taking of unnecessary risks when in the air. This has happened
more in America and in France than in Great Britain. An airman may have
performed a very difficult and daring feat at some flying exhibition
and the papers belauded his courage. A rival airman, not wishing to
be outdone in skill or courage, immediately tries either to repeat the
per