Balloon in the under Current.
93. This Height has since been considered as the Level of fleecy Vapour, Scud, or lowest Stratum of Clouds, in bright and warm Weather.[28]
No visible Clouds were presented near the Spectator. On the contrary, they seemed to shrink back to the Distance of a Mile round the Eye; and then immediately appear above it, the Balloon continuing to descend. Nor did any circular Horizon of the Earth shew itself; till the Balloon had reached below this Level: viz. Barom. 261⁄2, Thermom. 55. i. e. Temperate.
Prospects were most extensive and beautiful at this Altitude: which the Barometer estimates at full half a Mile.[29]
Looking again at the Barometer, scarce a Minute afterwards; it had risen to 27.
Sudden Effect of cool moist Air on the Balloon.
94. The Condensation by Chill and Moisture, and quick Contraction of its Dimensions acted like a Charm on the Balloon.
In a Moment; as if dropped from the Clouds, the Sea suddenly presented itself.[30] It seemed near, and of a red Colour. Circular Landscapes of the distant Countries filled the Eye.
Almost the whole Extent of the Channel was a perfect Calm: and rather dazled the Sight. But from the Peninsula of Hale to that of Runcorn, and upwards, a partial Breeze from the North-West ruffled the Surface (which was there of a dark and menacing Complexion;) and seemed in its Course to have reached and influenced the Balloon: whose Descent proving more rapid than was expected; the Sand-Bag tyed up, weighing 12 Pounds, was opened, and the Sand dispersed.
Ballast thrown down, 12lb. and 12lb.