123. Instant Relief was given to the Balloon: which shrunk into the Shape which it had assumed in the former Ascent, when the Gass began to issue in visible Vapour, the Neck likewise lowering itself to the Height of his Shoulders, as in Section 35.
Mouth opened at 41 Minutes past III.
124. On stooping he found the Time 41 Minutes after III, and the Thermometer 57.
No visible Vapour escaped.
Nor was he surprised that no visible Vapour escaped; as he had imagined that much common Air had been pressed into the Mouth of the Balloon: and which, being heavier than Gass, woud go out first.
Why the Valve at the Top is not to be opened.
On that Ground he was confirmed in his Resolution not to open the Valve at the top, which always emits the lightest Gass.
The Neck being made Air-tight, the Balloon rose again.
125. As soon however as the Neck of the Balloon reached his Shoulder, he gathered the Silk in his Hand, and held it Air-tight tho’ untyed, to prevent Evaporation of much real Gass: presuming that if any Levity remained; the Balloon woud presently rise again, and swell.
And he was pleased to find the Event answer his Expectations.