Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER III THE AERO-SPORTSMAN THE delights of cruising on the magic carpet of the Arabian Nights may be enjoyed to-day by all. The speedy racing and pleasure aircraft lend new excitement to a variety of sports. The racing aeroplane which travels one hundred and forty miles an hour or better makes every means of transportation seem commonplace by comparison. The hunter finds it a unique experience to pursue his game on the wing. The air yachtsman looks down upon all surface boating with good-natured indulgence. For hosts of amateur photographers, picture-making in the air holds a new delight. At present, the most popular type of aircraft for pleasure cruising is the so-called airboat. When the hydro-aeroplane first appeared, sportsmen at once recognized the attractions of this new vehicle. Here, atlast, was a craft that could navigate both air and water. At the touch of a wheel, one could skim over the water at fascinating speed or mount to high altitudes and leave the world behind. The first hydro-aeroplane, however, was more of an air craft than a boat. At best, only two passengers could be accommodated. When afloat, it rested on substantial pontoons and was only fit to rise from quiet waters. This type of craft has been quickly developed and the latest models are marvels of speed and even luxury. It is no longer only a fair weather craft. In either rough water or high winds it proves itself airworthy or seaworthy as the need may be. A party of sixteen has been carried aloft in one of the air-craft which may, without exaggeration, be called an air yacht. In the majority of models the car or boat contains comfortable seats for five. They are arranged much the same as in the conventional touring car, two behind the others, with a convenient door between, so that pas...