Remarkable achievements in flying have become so frequent that one
has almost ceased to marvel. A few months ago a height of three thousand feet was spoken of as the limit likely to be reached, yet now a height of six thousand feet has been passed, and from this point, out of sight of the earth, the aviator glided safely down, practically without using his engine. We must also say a word about the singular feat of Mr. Moissant, who on Wednesday in a fresh breeze crossed the Channel with a passenger. Mr. Moissant is a comparative novice. It is true that he invented new types of aeroplane several months ago, but he never succeeded in making long flights. Recently he acquired a Bleriot monoplane, and after a very little practice made this cross-Channel flight. If aeroplanes were cheaper, the development of flying would, no doubt, be even more rapid. Very few men can afford the expense of upkeep and repairs, but even under these heavy restrictions the progress has been greater than in any branch of practical science we can call to mind.
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