. Love's meinie : lectures on Greek and English birds, given before the University of Oxford . nsioninto tranquillity of gliding, or of pausing power. Giventhe various pioportions of weight and wing ; the condi-tions of possible increase of muscular force and quill-strength in proportion to size ; and the diiferent objectsand circumstances of flight,—you have a series of exqui-sitely complex problems, and exquisitely perfect solutions,which the life of the vouno^est amons: you cannot be lono;enough to read through so much as once, and of whichthe future infinitudes of human life, however grant
. Love's meinie : lectures on Greek and English birds, given before the University of Oxford . nsioninto tranquillity of gliding, or of pausing power. Giventhe various pioportions of weight and wing ; the condi-tions of possible increase of muscular force and quill-strength in proportion to size ; and the diiferent objectsand circumstances of flight,—you have a series of exqui-sitely complex problems, and exquisitely perfect solutions,which the life of the vouno^est amons: you cannot be lono;enough to read through so much as once, and of whichthe future infinitudes of human life, however granted orextended, never will be fatigued in admiration. * I dont know what word to use for an infinitesimal degree or divi-ded portion of force : one cant properly speak of a force being cut intopieces ; but I can think of no other word than atom. loves meinie. 61 69. I take tlie rude outline of sail in Fig. 3, and nowconsidering it as a jib of one of our own sailing vessels,slightly exaggerate the Ioojds at the edge, and drawcurved lines from them to the opposite point, Fig. 4; and Fig. I have a reptilian or dragons wing, which would, withsome ramification of the supporting ribs, become a batsor moths; that is to say, an extension of membrane be-tween the ribs (as in an umbrella), which will catch thewind, and flutter upon it, like a leaf ; but cannot strike itto any purpose. The flying squirrel drifts like a fallingleaf; the bat flits like a black rag torn at the edge. Togive power, we must have plumes that can strike, as withthe flat of a sword-blade ; and to g\xQ perfect power, thesemust be laid over each other, so that each may supportthe one below it. I use the word below advisedly: wehave to strike down. The lowest feather is the one that 62 loves meinie. first meets the adverse force. It is the one to be sup-ported. Kow for the manner of the support. You must allknow well the look of the machicolated parapets in medi-geval castles. You know they are carried on rows o
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