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Show Kite Flying Is Ancient Sport; Caution Required Ben Franklin has become this country's most celebrated kite flyer. But Ben was a relative newcomer to the ancient and honorable sport when he mixed kites, keys and lightning. The Chinese did it, and so did the Egyptians, and the Japanese and an ancient Greek scientist, Archytas. Through the centuries, kites have found practical well, nearly practical application For example, an Englishman by the name of George Pocock who lived in the early 1800's kited himself into fame with a carrigae that was powered by a pair of large kites. It moved along at the then phenomnal speed of 20 miles per hour or so One windy day Pocock actually managed to traverse 113 miles in his wind-blown carriage The speed of civilization has begun to interfere with the ancient sport. Telephone and power lines have an almost magnetic attraction for kites, Smoke-stacks don't help much either. With spring just around the corner, it's enough to make grown men cry and turn the kite strings over to the small fry And when you do. Bob Ingersoll, managing director of the Utah Safety Council suggests you instruct them in the following safety procedures: Fly kites in a level, open space away from power lines, airports, trees, and street traffic. If the kite should become entangled in power lines, leave it. It is better to lose a kite than to risk your life. Kites should be flown only in dry weather A wet string may conduct electricity down to the flyer. Kite strings should not contain any metallicfibers, tinsel or wire. They conduct electricity and should the kite become entangled in a power line it could result in death or serious injury. -Kites should not be flown over radio and television aerials Don't fly your kite if the wind Is freakish or changeable. |