The number of aeroplanes which have been brought down by shell he 80d rifle fire is one of the notable features of the war. Reports from Toingtao, ae well s from rope, t an aeroplane may be hit a considerable number of times, even by fragments of shell, without either the'machine or the pilot being put out of action. But it is evident that safety only lies in flying at a height at which the capacity of observation is sdthewhat restricted, especially when there are low-lying clouds. Yet we have received accounts of the belligerents' aeroplanes directing artillery attacks, and a British despatch recently referred to the aviators being subjected to the fire of friend and foe alike. In the early stages of the war the effectiveness of the German artillery fire owed a very great deal to their serial scouts, who signalled from the ends of wires dropped some distance below the observer's seat. When flying at a very high speed tLe aeroplane is difficult to bring down, but in such work as directing an attack or making detailed observations the aeroplane has been shown to be a very much easier thing to cripple than was previously imagined. Moreover, in scouting, duels between aviators have become frequent, and, however much we may admire the courage of an aviator who charges his opponent, further
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