THE ALBATROSS AND FRIGATE-BIRD.
[To THE EDITOR 01 THII " SPECTATOR:] So.,—The author of your very interesting article on "The Albatross and Frigate-Bird" suggests that there is some unex- plained mystery about their sailing flight. Some years ago, I had the opportunity of watching very carefully the flight of Diotnedea melanophrys, which is not unlike the albatross in its power of sailing, and I came to the conclusion that it could be frilly explained on simple mathematical principles,—in fact, that it was only a case of " tobogganing " under almost perfect con- ditions, these being the almost complete absence of friction, and the power of placing so large and so flat an expanse of wings in almost any plane so as to obtain the greatest advantage from the wind, either in rising against or flying obliquely with it ; both of which retard the loss of the actual or potential energy previously obtained by flapping, and so help to prolong the sailing flight. The prolonged sailing of the albatross merely shows that the bird is able to use its previously acquired vie viva of flight, or potential advantage of elevation, to greater advantage than any other bird, and considering its shape and strength, there is no mystery about its flight.—I am, Sir, ko.,
Earl Soham Rectory, Wickham Market, June 7th.
R. Assay.
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