Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-08-09
UP In A BALLOON.
An Express GaIIOp Through the
CIOuds-What was Seen Crossing
Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan.
Prof. Steiner, of Milwaukee, gives an
interesting account of his recent aerial
voyage. Immediately after his ascen-
sion from that city, he reached hight
Of 5000 feet, as shown by his barometer
and soon after 10000 feet and remained
at about that elevation until fifty miles
east, or somewhat beyond the middle of
the lake, at halfpast six. Upon reach
ing this hight, he describes scene with
which few mortal eyes have been favored
"a bird s-eye view of our beautiful
city and bay-the inland panorama dot
ted with small lakes-the south front
with the smoky hues of the rolling mill
the broad and expansive bosom of Lake
Michigan, with its pure, blue water
forty-siX vessels in sight, sailing in every
direction. The lake shore was in view
for from fifty to sixty miles each way,
north and south. Racine, Waukesha,
and other small towns soon became Wis
ible as the balloon increased its altitude,
and several small lakes were distinctly
discernible. The Wisconsin shore of
Lake Michigan gradually receded from
Nlchi NuSH tic eye WdS EtlltNcu Ny bilc
white lines of the lake beach, and the
sandy hills of Michigan were soon dis
tinguishable.
Awhile after this he saw, by three
vessels beneath him, that the balloon
was becalmed. To reach current he
threw out some sand and arose 1000 feet
higher, or $4,000 feet above the EARTH
here he struck current which began
carrying HIM northward this direction
not being desirable, he drew the valve
and let out some gas, causing descent
of 1000 feet Then he felt himself car
ried southeasterly, nearly forty miles an
hour, and approaching St. Joseph.
Nearing land warmer atmosphere car
ried him upinto current setting directly
eastward which was just what he wanted.
1t was now almost dark, and long
sheet Of fog, many miles in each direc-
ton, was drawn out far beneath him,
having black appearance, To him no
sound was discernible; the silence was
awful and oppressive.
The moon arose in splendor, disclosing
the Michigan shore, now nearing rapidly.
On sailing over the land again, the
sounds of life, and particularly those of
the national holiday, were heard-can-
mons, shouts, and dogs barking. Innu-
merable lights showed he was above a
thickly populated region; few rockets
were seen. Still he sailed onward, till
fifty miles inland. Here it became very
cold, mercury falling to only two degrees
above the freezing point
Soon there were indications of a
storm. One had already passed to the
southwark in the direction of Chicago.
1t was near ten o'clock, and the Pro-
fessor got ready his anchor, and made
arrangements to land. Gas was let out
and the balloon gradually descended
Objects soon commenced to be visible
farm-houses and roads, the noise of
wagons could be heard, then human
voices. On dropping the anchor, it
struck clover-feld, but failed to take a
firm hold. Bounding from the ground,
it caught fence, tearing down several |
lengths of rails. Finally it caught in a |
root and held fast; the aerial vessel was
anchored upon the sea of air. Two |
men and women, on their way to a ball, |
saw the balloon in the moonlight and |
waded through the clover to render as
sistance, which was very acceptable.
The balloon was soon rolled up, and
with the implements, was carried by
wagon to Mattawau, on the Michigan
Central railroad, four miles from the
spot where the descent was made. Next
morning Professor Steiner went by rail
to Kalamazoo.