Engineering Wonders of the World
Volume III

DIRIGIBLE BALLOONS. 63 it would take no part as com- batant in a general engagement. As for aerial invasions — great numbers of men wafted through the air on to the enemy’s country —they will not happen for many years to come. The military value of airships was tested at this year’s ma- noeuvres of the French and Ger- man armies, La République and Gross II. being selected for the purpose by the respective Govern- ments. The Gross II. got within rifle range, and was ruled out of action, but subsequently was “re- stored” to her side and did good work. The République managed to get over the “ enemy ” during a thick mist, and when the latter cleared away, and while the troops below were gaping in astonishment, feeling like par- tridges under a hawk, those on board the airship took full and accurate notes of the disposition of the attacking force and sailed away. ENGINES OF “ ZODIAC HI.” {Photo, Topical.) The flying machine has also to be taken into consideration. When it is able to rise to heights comparable with those of a balloon, and maintain its ©levation for an hour or two at a stretch, it will be practically safe. Its small size and speed will render the chances of its being hit, even by guns that could reach it, quite negligible. We may fitly close this side of the subject with the weighty words of Sir Hiram Maxim : “ The value of a successful flying machine, when considered from a purely military standpoint, cannot be over-estimated. The flying machine [we may add the navigable balloon] has come to stay, and whether we like it or not, it is a problem that must be taken into serious consideration. If we are lag- gards, we shall unquestionably be left behind, "w ith a strong probability that before many years have passed over our heads we shall have to change the colouring of our school maps.”