156. Even when stationary above the Clouds, the Height conveys with it no Danger of falling: any more than when in a Vessel at Sea, (as off the West-India Islands, for Example) the Fish are seen gliding over the clear white rocky Bottom, at the Depth of twenty Fathom: as the Aironaut seems perfectly unconnected with the Earth, and unconcerned about it.
The Depth below the Clouds gives no Idea of Distance.
157. Nor does the Depth below the Clouds give an Idea of Distance. On the contrary, the smooth chequered Lawns which form the Surface of the Earth, are presented to the Eye, as on a Level with the Clouds themselves: at least come up to their undersides, and appear so much a Part of them; that the Clouds occupy the Place of Earth: and the Aironaut seems able to descend from the Car upon the Clouds, and to walk from Side to Side over the empty Space, as over a Sheet of transparent Ice, across a River, whose Depth is equal to the small but indefinite Thickness of the Clouds.
158. It is from frequent experience only that the Diminution of Objects presuppose their Distance.
CHAPTER XXVII
USEFUL CONCLUSIONS.
Change in the Form of the Balloon while descending: with Conclusions drawn from the Change.
Section 159. IT was remarkable that, the lower Parts of the Balloon regularly adopted a similar Form at each Descent: not unlike a Ship’s Bottom; looking up, at the Head or Prow, while on the Stocks: the Neck of the Balloon forming a beautiful central Pillar; in Shape like that of a Speaking Trumpet inverted.
Time of Descent discovered by the Form of the Balloon.