Fluctuation of Barometer.
37. The Fluctuation of the Barometer, he imagined to arise from continued Exertions of the Gass within the Balloon, opposed by the atmospheric Air, which varying in Density and Temperature woud give an unequal Resistance to the Balloon: and both Gass and Air being elastic, the Power of Ascent would act by Intervals, and communicate its Pulsations to the Quicksilver in the Tube. His own irregular Motions in the Car would increase the Fluctuation.
The Compass traversed, but was useless.
38. The Compass likewise traversed backwards and forwards, pointing due North, and unaffected by the Turns of the Balloon: but was useless, as the Sun shone bright the whole Time of the Excursion.[10]
Aironaut first looked down at Leisure.
39. Thing’s taking a favourable Turn, he flood up, but with Knees a little bent, more easily to conform to accidental Motions, as Sailors when they walk the Deck: and took a full Gaze before, and below him.
Scenes below described.
But what Scenes of Grandeur and Beauty!
A Tear of pure Delight flashed in his Eye! of pure and exquisite Delight and Rapture; to look down on the unexpected Change already wrought in the Works of Art and Nature, contrasted to a Span by the new perspective, diminished almost beyond the Bounds of Credibility.
Yet so far were the Objects from losing their Beauty, that each was brought up in a new Manner to the Eye, and distinguished by a Strength of Colouring, a Neatness and Elegance of Boundary, above Description charming!