An exciting balloon adventure was that of Mr. Pendarves Vivian, an
English member of Parliament. With two skilled aeronauts he recently
made an ascent from Southwest London, the start being delayed by
unfavorable weather until 10 P.M.
They found themselves in a strong current, which in ten minutes had
placed them over North London, the lights below presenting a fairy scene
of indescribable beauty. Though over 1000 feet high, street cries were
distinctly audible. Ascending rapidly to 8000 feet, in an hour they
found themselves passing at a tremendous rate over a flat country
suitable for descending, and they resolved to come down. Gas was let
out, and grappling-irons dropped, when there was a sharp check and
violent jerks, and suddenly they commenced soaring upward at a frightful
pace.
The rope of the grappling-irons had broken. The danger of so helpless a
position, especially at night, was instantly apparent, and shortly
afterward a renewed descent was made, hoping to run the balloon against
some branches of trees. When this was done, one got out, and the two,
relieved of his weight, were carried upward with extreme velocity to a
height of three miles.
Half stunned by the shock, some time elapsed before the adventurous
occupants of the balloon again attempted to descend, when, to their
horror, they heard the roaring of the sea immediately below them.
Fortunately they landed upon the beach, and not in the water. They were
eventually rescued unhurt; but Mr. Vivian's experience convinces him
that ballooning can never be of practical utility as a means of
travelling.
* * * * *