By LORELEI RHINES

It's a bird; it's a plane! It's well it's just a kite. High in the sky, weaving through the clouds and soaring with the wind is a simple assembly of paper, sticks, and string.

The kite has caught it, and it lures you toward it. The gusty wind is also pulling you steadily toward it. The trees know it's here, and the flowers bow toward it. Yes, it's been spread all around. The "spring fever" is here.

Spring brings out the staleness that winter has left behind. People are aching to forget their worn winter muscles and revive their spring activities.

With all the gusty winds there is no better way to take hold of spring fever than kite flying. The suspense of the liftoff and the tugging of string awakens the mind into thinking the kite is alive.

As the breeze tossles your hair, it's exhilarating to see the kite dip and dive through the sky. But if you're having trouble holding the line, here are a few pointers to help you out:

1. For liftoff, put your back to the wind, let out a little string, throw the kite out as it meets the wind and is carried away. (If the kite is well balanced, running shouldn't be necessary.)

2. If the kite dives, give it some line.

3. Kite tails for two stick flat kites should be four times the kite length, depending on the wind. A short tail is best for calm days and a long tail for the windier days.

If you still have trouble with your kite, think of Charlie Brown. Poor Charlie seems to have a hang‑up with trees.