on of the surface. Sandy soil, for
instance, such as borders this river produces a quickly ascending column
of air, whereas water and forests have not such a marked effect. Thus,
when our Aeroplane passed over the shore of the river, it suddenly lost
the lift due to the ascending air produced by the warm sandy soil, and
it consequently dropped just as if it had fallen into a hole.

Now the Aeroplane is over the bay and, the sea being calm, the Pilot
looks down, down through the water, and clearly sees the bottom,
hundreds of feet below the surface. Down through the reflection of the
blue sky and clouds, and one might think that is all, but it isn't. Only
those who fly know the beauties of the sea as viewed from above;
its dappled pearly tints; its soft dark blue shadows; the beautiful
contrasts of unusual shades of colour which are always differing and
shifting with the changing sunshine and the ever moving position of the
aerial observer. Ah! for some better pen than mine to describe these
things! One with glowing words and a magic rhythm to express the wonders
of the air and the beauty of the garden beneath--the immensity of the
sea--the sense of space and of one's littleness there--the realization
of the Power moving the multitudes below--the exaltation of spirit
altitude produces--the joy of speed. A new world of sensation!

Now the bay is almost crossed and the Aerodrome at B can be
distinguished.

On the Aerodrome is a little crowd waiting and watching for the arrival
of the Aeroplane, for it is of a new and improved type and its first
'cross-country performance is of keen interest to these men; men who
really know something about flight.

There is the Squadron Commander who has done some real flying in
his time; several well-seasoned Flight-Commanders; a dozen or more
Flight-Lieutenants; a knowledgeable Flight-Sergeant; a number of Air
Mechanics, and, a little on one side and almost unnoticed, the Designer.

"I hope they are all right," said someone, "and that they haven't had
difficulties with the fog. It rolled up very quickly, you know."

"Never fear," remarked a Flight-Commander. "I know the Pilot well and
he's a good 'un; far too good to carry on into a fog."

"They say the machine is really something out of the ordinary," said
another, "and that, for once, the Designer has been allowed full play;
that he hasn't been forced to unduly standardize ribs, spars, struts,
etc., and has more or less had his