The children were summoned into the library, and informed by their father that he was at leisure to explain the philosophy of the kite; a subject with which Tom had repeatedly expressed some impatience to become acquainted. “It is a beautiful day,” exclaimed the boy joyously; “and there is such a delightful breeze, that I should really call it a complete _kite-day_.” “Gently, my fine fellow,” replied Mr. Seymour: “the bird must be fledged, ere it can fly. We have not, as yet, any kite: for you know that the one you possess is shattered beyond the possibility of repair.” “True, papa; but could not Robert just step into the village and buy one? I saw several kites in the shop of Peg Robson yesterday.” “I do not doubt it, my boy; but the kites which are to be found in the toy-shop are made to sell, rather than to fly; and to _raise the wind_, for the benefit of the vender, rather than to be raised _by it_, for the amusement of the purchaser: we must, therefore, construct one for ourselves; and see, I have, accordingly, prepared all the necessary materials for the purpose. I have here, as you perceive, a straight lath of deal, about three-quarters of an inch wide, and less than a quarter of an inch thick, and about four feet in length; this is quite ready for forming the standard, or _back-bone_ of the kite: and now for the bow. The cooper has complied with my directions, and sent an unbent hoop, as free as possible from knots; you observe that it is about the same length as the lath, but it will be necessary to pare it down a little at each end, in order to make it bend more readily to the required shape.” [Illustration: Diagram of a kite, labeled a through f.]