=Tetrahedral Kite.= Out of the triangular has grown the celebrated Bell tetrahedral kites, which can be increased in size beyond that of any other kite. No attempt will be made to give an exhaustive description or full construction of these wonderful kites as Dr. Bell has written a number of good articles on the subject for the _Scientific American_ and other magazines. There have been some wonderful kites made on this principle of construction. In simple kites of this construction we have a large tetrahedral frame composed of six sticks, Fig. 80. Owing to the bracing effect, remarkably small material can be used. For a kite four feet to an edge, 3/16” sticks were ample. All of the drawings given here represent the kite resting on its keel, tho a kite left in that position would topple over unless supported in some way. Now we will divide this large tetrahedral horizontally by four sticks, Fig. 81, and in Fig. 82 strings are run from the ends of the four horizontal sticks to the middle of the keel, also to the middle of the upper ridge stick. Some use sticks in place of the strings, but if the kite is not too large the strings are as good and in small kites better. Fig. 83 shows a four-celled tetrahedral with the coverings on. Fig. 84 shows a further division in which each cell of Fig. 83 is again divided into four cells, making a 16-celled kite. The kite rides in the air tipped as shown in Fig. 85. Look up some of the articles given in the “Bibliography of Kites” for further discussions of this type. [Illustration: FIG. 84.] [Illustration: FIG. 85.] [Illustration: FIG. 86.] The hexagonal kite is also an outgrowth of the triangular. Looking at the end of a hexagonal kite, three brace sticks will be seen, Fig. 86, which can be made removable, thus allowing the kite and its covering to be rolled. The kite will be more stable in the air if one side is down, so the bridle will be attached to two of the long sticks, and if it proves unmanageable, at four points. [Illustration: FIGS. 87, 88.] The circular cross-sectioned or barrel kite is more of a curiosity. It has two cells, and the frame is made up of four circles, either of split bamboo, reed, or thin tough wood. The circle should be shaped before further construction is attempted. Most of the strain will come on the circles so the ribs, connecting the four circles, may be quite light and slender. There will be less danger of twisting out of shape if more than two ribs are used. The ribs should be lashed to the rings with thread or twisted paper. No braces are necessary in the small ones; a long stick slanting thru the entire kite may be used in the larger ones, see Fig. 87, with covering. A pentagonal frame could be constructed with three braces, Fig. 88, and should be flown in the position shown. CHAPTER VI. COMBINED KITES. COMBINING PLAIN SURFACES AND BOX KITES TOGETHER. [Illustration: FIG. 89.]