Note 113 — Chapter LXVI
Reading edition
The
natural Figure
of the
Dìodon-Globe-Fish
, a coloured Print of which is given in “Martyn’s new and elegant Dictionary of natural History:” where it is described as follows: “The Form of the Body is usually oblong: but when the Creature is alarmed, it possesses the Power of
inflating
its Belly to a globular Shape of great Size;”—seems to furnish a Hint for the proper Figure of a Balloon, when the Art is more improved.
The Balloon, as far as it is meant to resemble the upper Part of the Fish, is to be made stiff, with Pasteboard or Papier-mâchè varnished; for, being strong, and in a permanent Form, it is more capable of continuing Air-tight: the lower Parts being flaccid, will be inflated, as the Balloon rises, and deflated during the Descent.
Rowers, and propulsive Machinery, are to be fixed within the Fish, in Place of the Fins: and Goods of greater Weight placed in a covered Car below: the Air-Bottle-Balloon being fixed between both.