Push the end of the spindle which has a hole nearest to it through one of the framework holes, slip on one of the pieces of tubing, drive the spindle through the reel until half an inch projects; put on the second piece of tubing, and continue driving the spindle till the hole bored in it shows.  Then push the nails half-way through the holes in the spindle, and fix them to the ends of the reel by small staples.  A crank is made out of 1/2-inch wood (oak by preference) bored to fit the spindle, to which it must be pinned.  A small wooden handle is attached at a suitable distance away.  If there is any fear of the wood splitting near the spindle, it should be bound with fine wire.  An alternative method is to file the end of the spindle square, and to solder to it a piece of iron strip in which a square hole has been made to fit the spindle.  The crank should be as light as is consistent with sufficient strength, and be balanced so that there shall not be unpleasant vibration when the string runs out fast, and of course it must be attached very securely to the spindle.

What will be the front of the framework must be rounded off on the top edge, which has a wire guide running parallel to it (Fig. 123) to direct the string on to the reel; and into the back are riveted a couple of eyes, to which are attached the ends of a cord passing round the body, or some stationary object.

[Illustration:  Fig. 125.—­String winder in operation.]

A pin should be provided to push into a hole at one end of the reel and lock the reel by striking the framework, and it will be found a great convenience to have a brake for controlling the reel when the kite is rising.  Such a brake is easily fitted to the side of the frame, to act on the left end of the reel when a lever is depressed by the fingers.  There should be a spring to keep it off the reel when it is not required.  The diagrams show where the brake and brake lever are situated.

Note.—­To obtain great elevations a fine wire (piano wire 1/32 inch in diameter) is generally used, but to protect the user against electric shocks the wire must be connected with an “earthed” terminal, on the principle of the lightning conductor.

XXIV.  PAPER GLIDERS.

In this chapter are brought to your notice some patterns of paper gliders which, if made and handled carefully, prove very satisfactory.  Gliders are sensitive and “moody” things, so that first experiments may be attended by failure; but a little persistence will bring its reward, and at the end of a few hours you will, unless very unlucky, be the possessor of a good specimen or two.

The three distinguishing features of a good glider are stability, straightness of flight, and a small gliding angle.  If the last is as low as 1 in 10, so that the model falls but 1 foot vertically while progressing 10 feet horizontally, the glider is one to be proud of.