228. The Reason already given, for the Solution of the famous Question concerning the apparent Magnitude of the horizontal Moon, seems no less applicable to Objects on the Earth’s Surface, when seen from the Balloon: which Diminution of Objects below confirms the Defect of Dr. Smith’s Hypothesis.
For, as they appeared extremely bright; being shone on by the Sun, and seen throu’ the Air in a perpendicular Line, containing the least possible Quantity of Vapour; the Brightness must have exceeded that of the same Objects, when seen along the Ground: and consequently the Miniatures of the former must have been less than the latter, and also their respective Distances seem greater.
CHAPTER XXXXI.
CONJECTURES ON THE CAUSES WHICH INFLUENCE THE DESCENT OF BALLOONS IN THEIR PASSAGE OVER WATER.
Recapitulation of Facts.
1.COnjectures concerning the regular Tendency of the Balloon to descend on its Approach towards water.
2. Its greatest Descent, when in the Zenith, over the Middle of Rivers.
3. Recovery and Re-ascent to the former Level, as it recedes from them.
Section 229. Article 1. On the first Ascent in the Castle-Yard, Chester, the Balloon gently moved towards the River Dee, and the Sea.