Page:Aerial Flight - Volume 2 - Aerodonetics - Frederick Lanchester - 1908.djvu/425

Rh It is believed that the boomerang was evolved by the natives from a wooden club or sword, which it became the fashion to throw at an adversary or quarry when otherwise out of reach; the bent form may in the first instance have been merely an accident, or possibly it was the result of a cunning endeavour

Fig. 187 (1/4 full size).

to make a sword that would overreach the guard of an enemy; this explanation almost suggests itself when one handles a boomerang of the Australian type.

A convenient and handy size of boomerang termed the "Payne-Galway," Fig. 187, has been placed on the market.

Fig. 188 (full size).

the section being as given in Fig. 188. This boomerang is of English ash, steam bent; it is of comparatively light weight and takes but little practice to throw successfully. The author has made boomerangs of sheet celluloid of three-limbed form (Figs. 189 and 190); these, when of the sizes and thicknesses shown, are suitable for indoor throwing or for use in a garden or other restricted area; the reason for and advantages of the three-limbed form will be explained later.