The History: Today, Wilbur wrote Chanute for advice on anemometers. [An anemometer is an instrument used to determine the wind's speed.] Last year [1900] they had access to this information from the Kitty Hawk Weather Bureau Station.

Wilbur asks Chanute about the merits of a pressure gauge versus a Robinson [cup] anemometer. The brothers need an instrument that is easy to transport. Wilbur suspects the Robinson anemometer is too slow to suit their needs. The instrument needs to be capable of capturing the wind's velocity at a specific instance to accurately calculate the lift and drift [drag].

A Vane Type Anemometer The Vanes Are Spinning In The Photo On The Right Anemometer Photos Courtesy Michael Bennett-Levy Of Early Technology

Wilbur enclosed a photo of their machine flown as a kite at Kitty Hawk. The rudder located in the front of the glider controlled the fore and aft motion [up and down].

The Photo Wilbur Sent Chanute (Excluding Red Text) 1900 Glider Had A Front Rudder But No Tail