CHAPTERXXIV.BALLOON ABOVE THE INFLUENCE OF WATER.Balloon above the Influence of the Waters and Sea-Breeze.Section 131.THE Balloon pursued its formergentleCourse in theupperCurrent of Air moving from the South West, andAston House: and had risenabovethe Influence of theWatersandSea-Breeze.Balloon repeatedly swelling.132. In Consequence of havingheld tightthe Neck of the Balloon, the Gasswithinbeganagainto expand, and the Machine becamemore bloatedthan whenstationaryat the first Ascent: the Bottom of the Balloon being drawn up to the Height of his Hand, when the Arm was stretched, and himself on Tip-toe.The Valve first tried.133. Tho’ the late Descent, at the lastOpeningof the Balloon, had been rapid; which was knownchieflyby the Want of Reaction from the Bottom of the Car against the Soles of the Feet; yet being stillfar above allClouds; fearless of theCurrents,Rocks, andShoals, to whichall maritimeNavigationis subject; he took the Opportunity of trying the upper Valve;purposelyto know the Effect. So retaining the Bottom of the Balloonin hisrightHand, he drew the Valve Cord with hisleft.Immediately he heard itclick: which proved that it was quite open, and in good Order.The Valve answered.134. He tried the Valve three Timessmartly, and deliberately.The Escape of the inflammable Air or Gass was like thegrowlingSound made in a Mill by the Grinding of the Mill-stones, but by no Means so loud.
CHAPTERXXIV.
Balloon above the Influence of the Waters and Sea-Breeze.
Section 131.THE Balloon pursued its formergentleCourse in theupperCurrent of Air moving from the South West, andAston House: and had risenabovethe Influence of theWatersandSea-Breeze.
Balloon repeatedly swelling.
132. In Consequence of havingheld tightthe Neck of the Balloon, the Gasswithinbeganagainto expand, and the Machine becamemore bloatedthan whenstationaryat the first Ascent: the Bottom of the Balloon being drawn up to the Height of his Hand, when the Arm was stretched, and himself on Tip-toe.
The Valve first tried.
133. Tho’ the late Descent, at the lastOpeningof the Balloon, had been rapid; which was knownchieflyby the Want of Reaction from the Bottom of the Car against the Soles of the Feet; yet being stillfar above allClouds; fearless of theCurrents,Rocks, andShoals, to whichall maritimeNavigationis subject; he took the Opportunity of trying the upper Valve;purposelyto know the Effect. So retaining the Bottom of the Balloonin hisrightHand, he drew the Valve Cord with hisleft.
Immediately he heard itclick: which proved that it was quite open, and in good Order.
The Valve answered.
134. He tried the Valve three Timessmartly, and deliberately.
The Escape of the inflammable Air or Gass was like thegrowlingSound made in a Mill by the Grinding of the Mill-stones, but by no Means so loud.