CHAPTER XXIV.

BALLOON ABOVE THE INFLUENCE OF WATER.

[Sidenote: Balloon above the Influence of the Waters and Sea-Breeze.]

Section 131. The Balloon pursued its former _gentle_ Course in the _upper_ Current of Air moving from the South West, and Aston House: and had risen _above_ the Influence of the _Waters_ and _Sea-Breeze_.

[Sidenote: Balloon repeatedly swelling.]

132. In Consequence of having _held tight_ the Neck of the Balloon, the Gass _within_ began _again_ to expand, and the Machine became _more bloated_ than when _stationary_ at the first Ascent: the Bottom of the Balloon being drawn up to the Height of his Hand, when the Arm was stretched, and himself on Tip-toe.

[Sidenote: The Valve first tried.]

133. Tho’ the late Descent, at the last +Opening+ of the Balloon, had been rapid; which was known _chiefly_ by the Want of Reaction from the Bottom of the Car against the Soles of the Feet; yet being still _far above all_ Clouds; fearless of the _Currents_, _Rocks_, and _Shoals_, to which +all maritime+ _Navigation_ is subject; he took the Opportunity of trying the upper Valve; _purposely_ to know the Effect. So retaining the Bottom of the Balloon in his _right_ Hand, he drew the Valve Cord with his _left_.

Immediately he heard it _click_: which proved that it was quite open, and in good Order.

[Sidenote: The Valve answered.]

134. He tried the Valve three Times _smartly_, and deliberately.

The Escape of the inflammable Air or Gass was like the _growling_ Sound made in a Mill by the Grinding of the Mill-stones, but by no Means so loud.