Balloon alternately rising and falling.
138. It continued rising as long as the Hand coud reach to hold the Neck tight: and, on loosing it an Instant, made a rapid Descent: on Account of the Gass which escaped, and of the atmospheric Air which rushed in by the same Opening at the Bottom.
The Play of fast and loose repeated.
139. The alternate Play of fast and loose, was frequently and successfully repeated: the Balloon always rising till it swelled out of the Reach of the Hand: at which Time it was let go: and the Neck (as well as the Balloon) descending; was presently caught in the Hand, and made Air-tight as before.
Manouvres seen at the Distance of 15 Miles.
140. These Manouvres were performed, at a Height far above the Level of all Clouds, and in Sight of Numbers of People: some of whom were at least 15 Miles distance: yet coud plainly, from an Eminence called Hoole-Mill Field, a Couple of Miles from Chester, discover the Balloon at an amazing Height, darting up and down several Times; or as they expressed themselves, “quivering and warping in the Air.”
CHAPTER XXVI.
SENSATIONS ACCOMPANYING THE BALLOON.
Situation safe and pleasant.