If I wish to produce a very delicate light wing, I do so by selecting a fine tapering elastic reed, as represented at a b of fig. 124.
To this I add successive layers (i, h, g, f, e) of some flexible material, such as parchment, buckram, tracing cloth, or even paper. As the layers overlap each other, it follows that there are five layers at the anterior margin (a b), and only one at the posterior (c d). This form of wing is not twisted upon itself structurally, but it twists and untwists, and becomes a true screw during its action.
Fig. 123.
Fig. 123.—Artificial Wing with Perpendicular (r s) and Horizontal (t u) Elastic Bands attached to ferrule (w).
a, b, Strong elastic reed, which tapers towards the tip of the wing.
d, e, f, h, i, j, k, Tapering curved reeds, which run obliquely from the anterior to the posterior margin of the wing, and which radiate towards the tip.
m, Similar curved reeds, which run still more obliquely.
a, n, o, p, q, Tapering curved reeds, which run from the anterior margin of the wing, and at right angles to it. These support the two sets of oblique reeds, and give additional strength to the anterior margin.