I am better acquainted with Brazil, as I have been to every port in that marvellous country. Brazil produces over 2,000 different kinds of wood, some of which require no polish to make them shine like an exhibition radio cabinet. This ship can go 2,200 miles up the Amazon river, the average width of which is three miles. At the eastern mouth the river is 90 miles wide. I have seen the fresh water of the Amazon 150 miles out to sea. Extract from letter from F. Martin, Wireless Operator.
SAILFLYING. The other day I picked up a German handbook dealing with the sport of sailflying. The first words of the introduction were " Segelflug ist Schon "—which is the best possible way in which one can introduce the subject of this fine sport. Sailplaning has something about it which no other sport has. It seems to satisfy one's every mood in some way or another—for flying a sailplane can be peaceful ; it can be very awe-inspiring. If you are amused by pushing a file or using a wood chisel, there is plenty of scope. If you will persist in being scientific—the science of meteorology is open to you. This can be studied from a new and extremely interesting angle. The acquisition of skill and knowledge in actually flying sailplanes is a most absorbing business. Fears have to be overcome, and as in all things, it is very pleasant to look back and laugh at what one was once a little afraid of. How do you begin ? The best and quickest way of learning to fly gliders is to join a fortnight's gliding camp. These are held at most of the gliding clubs throughout the summer months, and the cost to take part, including board, is in the region of £10. If you cannot spare a whole fortnight at a time, a club can be joined in the normal way, and your training done at the week-ends. The usual entrance fee is 2 guineas and annual subscription 3 guineas. Much the best way to begin gliding, though, is to join a training camp. In the early stages continuity of instruction is most important for quick progress. At the end of a fortnight's training you will be at a stage of proficiency which would take at least six months by just flying at the week-ends. I will not try to explain how one is taught to glide, as space does not permit. It will suffice to say that one goes 28
