Section 73.AT 33 Minutes after II, the Balloon-Shadow was again the Center of a brilliant Iris, painted at some Distance round it on Clouds below.
74. One of the Pint-Bottles for light Air was prepared (as in [Article 14], of Section 12;)Bottle filled with light Air. and dropped from the Car.
The Water it contained was poured down, to observe the Effects of Air and Light on the Drops.
The Air did not at that Height oppose a Resistance sufficient to break the Stream into small Drops. Nor did they seem to coalesce: remaining, while they continued in Sight, of the same Size; some very large, others less so; and at the same relative Distance, as when they first left the Bottle.
The Colours seemed stronger than usual.
It may be here observed that none of the Bottles were returned; tho’ found, and a Reward promised.
The Country People, as soon as they saw a Bottle; imagining it must contain some Liquor, immediately contrived to open it: by which Procedure, the Intention of the Experiment was frustrated.
The Bottles, which are dangerous Companions even without Liquor, shoud, notwithstanding, be left in the Car: at least till the Time of landing the Balloon.
Burton and Flint seen at the first rising.
75. While the Balloon was first rising; a gentle Motion of the lower Current of Air carried it immediately towards the Sea. ([Section 46].)