Chapter VI
Reading edition
BALLOON VERGING TO THE SEA.
Sympathy of the Spectators, on seeing the Aironaut verging towards the Sea.
Section 46. BEFORE a farther Description of aërial Scenes is attempted, it woud be improper not to mention a Circumstance which happened on the first Ascent of the Balloon: and too strongly called forth the tender sympathetic Feelings, by raising, in the Minds of the Spectators, alarming Apprehensions for the Safety of the Aironaut, on seeing the Balloon move gently towards the Sea.
They were however, in a great Measure, soon relieved from their Anxiety: for, by rising into another Current, he escaped the Danger: skirting the Coasts of the River Mersey; which coud not be seen from the Balloon at the Distance of little more than a League, tho’ the Sun was supposed to shine the whole Time on the Water.
The upper Current was, in Fact, rendered visible to the aërial Traveller, for more than two Hours before, and at the Time of his Ascent; by lofty Clouds of the second Stratum, flying in a safe Direction.
