CHAPTER LIIII.

ANOTHER METHOD OF SUSTAINING A BALLOON OVER WATER, WITHOUT LOSS OF GASS, OR OF BALLAST.

Section 295. Let the Ballast consist of that Kind of Rope (wound on a Reel) that is either by Nature or Art, _specifically_ lighter than fresh Water: as a _hollow cylindrical_ Rope of Silk, in which Corks are thrust: the Silk to be dipped into elastic Varnish, to prevent the Absorption of Water into the Pores: or a common Rope well varnished; or covered over with a cylindric Case of varnished Silk, might answer the same Intention, if Corks or Bladders were tyed at proper Distances: in which Case, the Rope might, at the first Ascent of the Balloon, hang from the Center above the Car, at its full Extent, suppose a Mile or a Mile and half in Length, without the Encumbrance of a Reel.

If Bladders are used; those that hang near the Car shoud not be more than _half blown_.

By the above Expedient; as soon as the Balloon began to decline, from Evaporation of Gass, or Depression of the Atmosphere, and the lowest Part of the Rope touched the Water; the Balloon woud continue to levitate, in Proportion to the Quantity of Rope sustained on the Surface of the Water.

The Aironaut woud move less _swift_ indeed, but more conveniently; as he woud not be obliged to rise _above_ the Wind: but be able to _lower_, and _raise_ himself at Pleasure: _first_, by pulling up a Part of the Rope into the Car; and having there _made it fast_;

_Secondly_, by cutting away, as he saw Occasion, the loose End, and Folds of the Rope so drawn into the Car with him.