The History: On August 10, 1900, Wilbur wrote Chanute another letter asking for advice. Wilbur tells Chanute that he is planning to build a full sized glider (capable of carrying a person). In the past, pine wood was used in frame of their 1899 glider [about 5-feet long], but Wilbur wants to use spruce for this full scale model. He is not able to obtain spruce in Dayton, Ohio (where the Wrights live) and asks Chanute if he can recommend where he might obtain this wood in Chicago (where Chanute lives).

He also asks Chanute what he would suggest for a varnish for the fabric cover. Wilbur used shellac on the 1899 model.

Shellac is a specific type of wood preparation made from the "lac" insect. Shellac fills in the tiny holes in the surface and is used as a wood finish. Varnish is a liquid substance. When spread on a surface it fills in tiny crevices and dries forming a hard (generally) clear coating. The varnish helps protect the surface. Wilbur is looking for a varnish that can be used on the fabric surfaces. The preparation should shrink the cover and make it airtight.