Download and read  "Healthful Sports for Boys" by Rochefort Alfred

...record the elevation and thetemperature. THE HARGRAVE, OR BOX KITE, is something new and hitherto unheard of in the kite line. Rigidityand strength, without too much weight, are the prime essentials of theHargrave. It may be made by a boy with a knack for mechanics in thefollowing way: Take eight stiff, slender pieces of bamboo, eighteenand three-quarter inches in length, such as are sometimes used forfishing poles. These pieces must be of uniform weight and length, andas nearly alike as possible. Next cut six sticks, each eleven incheslong, and as nearly alike as possible. These are for the middleuprights and end stretchers. After finding the middle of the longersticks, lash them together in pairs by means of stout waxed thread, orlight brass wire. Notch the ends of the sticks and make the spreadbetween A and C just eleven inches. This will give you four pairs ofcrossed sticks. Next take one of your eleven-inch uprights, and bindit to the two pairs of cross-sticks. Take the other...