146. The Ascent of the Balloon is not unlike what is felt, in the ascending half of the Swing: and the Descent is attended with that agreeable Sensation known to those who sink throu’ the descending half.
A favourite Diversion among the Russians.
147. A Diversion similar to the above is peculiar to the North of Europe, practised by the Russians, particularly the Inhabitants of Zarsko Zelo; and accompanied with a Sensation so delightful, that they seek itArtificial Declivity of waved Ice. in the open Air, amidst the utmost Severity of the Frost. It is a Sort of Boat or Car, in which they glide, for a considerable Distance, down an artificial Declivity of waved and polished Ice: being drawn up by Servants; they launch precipitately forwards, and down again as before.
Amusements of Gestation in common with the Balloon.
148. Sledges drawn swiftly over the undulated Surface of a snowy Country, a favourite Diversion in many Parts of Germany, in Lapland, and Siberia: Skaiting on level Ice; the Motion of a Vessel on smooth Water; of a fleet Horse; also of Wheel-Carriages rolling over even Gravel, or a grassy Plain, are each a Luxury of the same Kind; and grateful to the Nerves.
Vertical Flying-Coach.
149. There is yet another Amusement, which is said to be of German Extraction, still frequent in the North of England, called the vertical Flying-Coach.[40]
Two Persons are required to turn the Machine (when full): which moves like the four Sails of a Windmill: a Seat being placed at the End of each Sail.
150. The Pleasure communicated to the Nerves during the Descent, is to some Constitutions so exquisite, as to be full as much as the human Frame can support: others are affected by it in a gentler Manner.
These different Diversions, flowing from the same Principle in common with the Balloon, viz. that of being carried with a gentle Motion, are one or other suited to all Ranks and Ages.