A box-kite is one of the most entertaining forms of kite which can be made, and is of special value in wireless telegraphy where a pole is not available. A very convenient size, with a pull which will not be tiresome in a moderate breeze, is 30" high, 20" wide and 9" deep. Four pieces of light, strong wood are required for the corner posts, A, 30" long and 1/4" square. Four pieces of thin wood, B, 9" long and 2" wide, are carefully nailed to the posts A, 3" from the ends. The side pieces of a long cigar-box are suitable for these pieces. In the center of the pieces B, and 11/2" from the ends, cut holes 1/4" by 1/8", to receive the ends of the pieces C. The crosspieces C, 191/2" long and 1/4" square, have tenons cut on the ends to fit the holes in the pieces B.

Folding Box-kite.

The covering consists of two bands of light, firm cloth 58" long, not including the extra cloth required for the seam, and 9" wide. The seam should be stitched on a machine, using care to have it square with the edges. To erect the kite, place the bands on each end of the frames, with the crosspieces B on the inside, and then put in the crosspieces C. These should require some bending, but should be nearly straight when in place, so that the cloth belts will be stretched taut and the surfaces remain flat when in the air. The seams of the belts should be at the corners, and the belts should be adjusted until all the angles of the kite are square. The belts are then tacked to the posts A with small tacks. A loop of strong, light cord 6' long is then tied to front posts A, just below the lower edge of the upper band. The line is then tied to the center of the loop and the kite is ready for flying. If the kite dives, or does not fly properly when well up in the air, adjust the loop until satisfactory results are secured. Smooth-finish mattress twine is the most desirable for kite-flying, having great strength for the weight. It may be purchased at most upholstering places. For wireless telegraphy a larger kite of the same proportions, but with fine piano wire for the line, may be used, the instruments being connected when the kite has reached an altitude where it remains steady. The wire should be wound on a reel made from a large wooden twine-spool mounted on a wooden base, which may be fastened to the ground by wooden tent-pegs, care being taken to see that the wire does not touch the ground. Do not use the wire upon the approach of or during a thunderstorm.