Fig. 107. [↑]
Fig. 108. [↑]
Fig. 109. [↑]
In the second series of tandems, while all kites are attached to the same line directly, there is an individual bridle for each kite, but in the third series we have a sort of harness that combines all kites together, so that if one tips forward, all tip forward, and vice versa. It will be seen that in [Figs. 107] and [108] where a number of tailless kites are arranged in a regular series, that there is a complete harness running from the larger kite as a head, to the banner floating out at the rear. Four cords are attached, one at the top, another at the bottom, and one at each side. The distances between all points are the same, so when the head tips forward, the second kite has a similar inclination to the breeze, and so on thruout the whole series. The bridle is attached at the four points at the head, so attached as to give a good flying inclination. This series is called a “Tailless Dragon Kite” and flies well and makes a fine appearance in the air. The tailless dragon can be made more ornamental and seem more connected, by extending the spine above the kite as in the head, a string with a feather edge of tissue paper being festooned from the top of one kite in the series to the next. At the bottom of each kite some streamers of tissue paper would help in the same manner, [Fig. 109]. The regular Chinese centipede kite, [Fig. 110], is not so difficult now that we have harnessed the tailless dragon.