directly in front of the
muzzle. Since then various forms of this device have been adapted by
all the belligerents. Another novel development of aerial warfare is
the miniature wireless-sending apparatus with which most of the
observation and artillery regulation machines are now equipped, thus
enabling the observers to keep in constant touch with the ground. In
addition to developing the fastest possible battle-planes, the French
are making efforts to build more formidable craft for bombing
purposes. The latest of these is a Voisin triplane, which has a total
lifting capacity of two tons, carries a crew of five men, and is
driven by four propellers, each operated by a 210-horse-power
Hispana-Suiza motor. These new motors weigh only about two hundred
kilograms, or a little over two pounds per horse-power.

During the past year the French have made most of their raids by
nights. One reason for this is that raiding craft, which are
comparatively slow machines, are so heavily laden with bombs that they
are only able to perform straight flying and hence are easily brought
down by the fast and quick-turning battle-planes. Daylight raids,
moreover, necessitate an escorting fleet of fighting craft in order to
protect the bombing machines, just as a dreadnought has to be
protected by a screen of destroyers. Though the dangers of flying are
considerably increased by darkness, the French believe this is more
than compensated for by the fact that, being comparatively safe from
attack by enemy aircraft or from the fire of anti-aircraft guns, the
raiders can fly at a much lower altitude and consequently have a much
better chance of hitting their targets.

One of the extremely important uses to which airplanes are now put is
the destruction of the enemy's observation balloons, on which he
depends for the regulation of his artillery fire. An airplane which
is to be used for this work is specially fitted with a number of
rocket tubes which project in all directions, so that it looks like a
pipe-organ gone on a spree. The rockets, which are fired by means of a
keyboard not unlike that of a clavier, are loaded with a composition
containing a large percentage of phosphorus and are fitted with gangs
of barbed hooks. If the rocket hits the balloon these hooks catch in
the envelope and hold it there, while the phosphorus bursts into a
flame which it is impossible to extinguish. During the fighting before
Verdun, eight French aviators, driv