The Mastery of the Air by William J. Claxton
page 19 of 182 (10%)
page 19 of 182 (10%)
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building his balloon, and it was arranged that he should ascend
from the Artillery Ground, London, in September, 1784. His craft was a "Charlier"--that is, it was modelled after the hydrogen-inflated balloon built by Professor Charles--and it resembled in shape an enormous pear. A wide hoop encircled the neck of the envelope, and from this hoop the car was suspended by stout cordage. It is said that on the day announced for the ascent a crowd of nearly 200,000 had assembled, and that the Prince of Wales was an interested spectator. Farmers and labourers and, indeed, all classes of people from the prince down to he humblest subject, were represented, and seldom had London's citizens been more deeply excited. Many of them, however, were incredulous, especially when an insufficiency of gas caused a long delay before the balloon could be liberated. Fate seemed to be thwarting the plucky Italian at every step. Even at the last minute, when all arrangements had been perfected as far as was humanly possible, and the crowd was agog with excitement, it appeared probable that he would have to postpone the ascent. It was originally intended that Lunardi should be accompanied by a passenger; but as there was a shortage of gas the balloon's lifting power was considerably lessened, and he had to take the trip with a dog and cat for companions. A perfect ascent was made, and in a few moments the huge balloon was sailing gracefully in a northerly direction over innumerable housetops. |
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