Effect of calm Air on the Surface of the Balloon.
202. When the Air was perfectly calm, which frequently happened while the Balloon migrated with different Passengers, as the Evening was the finest in the World, and the Country flat and woody in the Hedge-Rows; it was with Difficulty that the Conductor coud draw the Balloon after him, faster than the Rate of a moderate Walk: viz. three Miles an Hour.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Sun set at 34 Minutes past VI.
Section 203. THE Sun set at 34 Minutes past VI. and, tho’ it was then near that Time, the Post-Chaise was not arrived.
204. On Enquiry for a dry smooth Meadow, he was recommended to proceed a little farther, to a Place on the Road within three Miles of Warrington.
205. Having by this Time gratified the Curiosity of the Country in admitting Boys and Girls to the Age of six or seven Years, into the Car; and being arrived after Sun-set at the Place appointed, viz. Milton’s Croft-Green; he ordered the Balloon to be laid on its Side along the Ground: having removed the Car, and opened the Mouth; the inflammable Air or Gass, was soon pressed out by Means of a long Pole rolled across it by two Men, standing one at each End of the Pole: beginning at the Top or upper Valve, which was held down close to the Ground; and ending at the Mouth or Neck.
It was then rolled up, put into the Car; and the whole Apparatus placed on the Top of the Chaise which arrived the Moment wanted.
Balloon put up at 53 Minutes past VI.