Page:Kitecraft and kite tournaments (1914).djvu/22

14 wound with another cord, Fig. 11, to prevent slipping. The two lower sides are then spaced and the lower end of the spine is secured in the same way. Some may think it a waste of time to measure the lower strings after the upper ones have been adjusted, but very often there is quite a little difference, due to a springing of the spine. A six pointed star kite would have six, instead of four spaces to even up. Some stringing is used for inside designs, and some is used for strengthening frame.

Covering. Probably more tissue paper is used in covering kites than any other material. There are a number of kinds of tissue papers, but the cheapest, because it is the cheapest, is used most. These cheap tissue papers are now found in all shades and tints of colors.

The French tissues are more durable, and as a rule, more brilliant in color. A kite covered with this paper can be used from time to time without being disabled.

The Chinese tissue paper is the strongest of all tissues in one direction, and should be used so as to bring the length way of the paper in the direction of greatest strain. This paper only comes in a cream color, but is very satisfactory where strength and hand color work are desired. In Los Angeles we get two sheets for five cents, and the size is 22″ × 23″. There are some wrapping papers that are pliable and strong enough to be used, especially on box-kites, but only a few of these are of much service on plain surface kites. The tight covering on a box kite is an advantage. Some boys use a paper that is commonly known as a butter paper, and others find orange wrapping paper serviceable.

Of the cloth coverings, cambric is the most popular. The sizing is sufficient to keep the covering in shape during construction, it is light in weight, comes in variety of good colors and is cheap. When cloth is used on plain surface kites, care must be observed that the goods are not used on the bias, as the unequal stretching would unbalance the poise of the kite. Silk is excellent, but !! it isn't used much by boys.