In order to preserve that figure, they are bordered with bamboo-wire, on which paper, of the lightest kind, but very tough, is pasted. The loop fastens to a very slight bamboo-rod passing down the centre. These kites have not tails, like ours, but are, nevertheless, easily managed by persons accustomed from their infancy to raising them; which they can do to an incredible height. The lines used for this purpose are chiefly of cotton, well twisted, thin and strong: about forty or fifty yards of the upper end, nearest to the _puttung_, the cord is rubbed with a fine size, in which levigated glass is mixed; this, when dry, gives it something the appearance of very fine sand paper, such as is used for cleaning grates, &c. Sometimes, in the great cities, thousands of these kites are to be seen floating in the air, to the great amusement of their respective owners; and, indeed, of the spectators; who often take considerable interest in the numerous contests which are perpetually presented, by the intentional crossing of the several cords; which, being armed, as above described, are calculated ‘to cut the thread of life,’ and precipitate their several opponents. No sooner is the crossing of an adverse cord felt, as may readily be ascertained by the vibrations of that in hand, than a sawing motion is given to each by the respective operators, when, in a very little time, commonly less than a minute, one of the kites is seen to give way. On this sometimes considerable wagers are pending. The great art appears to be, to pass over the adversary's cord, and then to let the kite lower suddenly, so as to make, momentarily, an angle in the cord thus passed over; an instantaneous pull sometimes succeeds in severing the opponent’s cord; it acting like a drawing cut, and presenting a succession of points, perhaps to the length of three or four yards, while the under line, unless managed with similar activity, presents but one point, and thus is subject to friction on that point only; consequently must be considerably injured. The greatest judgment is, however, necessary, to determine whether, or not, the operator presents an armed portion of his cord to an unarmed part of that of his opponent. Should the former be correct in this instance, he may generally command success; but, if the reverse be the case, he may lose the day. An unpractised eye would be at a loss in computing the proper distance, when the length of line let out may perhaps exceed three or four hundred yards; but the natives in general form a correct estimate, and display great dexterity in avoiding to cross any cord under unfavorable circumstances. This amusement generally takes place during the cool of the evening, on the flat tops of houses. The inhabitants of the _zenanah_, (or _haram_,) enjoy it either from their _compounds_, (or enclosed areas,) or on the roofs of their chambers, on tarrasses so built up, with thin brick walls, as to prevent their being over-looked by neighbours.