67. Perceiving that the Balloon was descending very briskly, by the Appearance of Cattle in the Corner of a Field;Ballast thrown out, first, one of the two solid Weights was cast down: then the other.
Time in falling estimated.
A Return of Sound to the Balloon, from the lighter which weighed five Pounds, was heard in 130 Countings of a Watch, which made 120 of the same full Beats in a Minute.
Before the Weight became invisible; it appeared to move a good Deal out of the Perpendicular: owing either to an under Current; or to a Deception of Sight, respecting the horizontal Motion of the Balloon in a different Direction, during the Descent of the Stone.
The other must have fallen in soft Grass, or otherwise: as it was not heard.
CHAPTER XI.
Section 68.AT 28 Minutes past II. the solid Weights before mentioned were thrown out.
At 29 Minutes the Barometer had fallen to 25 Inches.
Balloon reascending.