Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-08-06
UP IN A BALLOON.
An Express GRiIOP Through the
ClGuds-Wbot was Seen Crossing
Lake Michigan.

An Express GRiIOP Through the
CIouds-Wbat was Seen Crossing
Lake Michigan.
Prof. Steiner, of Milwaukee, gives an
interesting account of his recent serial
voyage. Immediately after his ascension
from that city, he reached height of
1000 feet, as shown by his barometer;
and soon after 10, 600 fec, and remained
at about that elevation until fifty miles
east, or somewhat beyond the middle OF
the lake, at half past SIX. Upon reach
ing this height, he describes a scene with
which few mortal eyes have been favored.
'tA bird's-eye view of our beautiful
city and bay-the inland panorama dotted
with small lskes-the south front with
the smoky hues of the rolling mill-tbe
broad expansive bosom of Lake Michi
gan, with its pure blue wster-foriy-six
vessels in sight, sailing in every direction.
The lake shore was in view for frem
fifty to sixty miles each way, north and
south. Racine, Waukesha, and other
small towns soon became visible as the
balloon increased its attitude, and sew
eral small lakes were distinctly discern
ible. The Wisconsin shore of Lake
Michigan gradually receded from view,
when the eye was relieved by the white
lines of the lake beach, and the sandy
hills of Michigan we're soon dis
tinguishable.
A while after this he saw, by three
vessels beneath him, that the balloon was
becSlmed. To reach a current he threw
out some sand, and arose 1000 feet
higher, or II, 600 feet above the earth;
here he struck q current which began
carrying him northward; this direction
not being desirable, he drew the valve
aud let out some G IS, causing q descent
of 1000 feet. Then he felt himself car
Iied southessterly, nearly forty miles an
hour, ard approaching st. Joseph. Near
ing land 8 warmer atmosphere carried
him up into a 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 orawn out far beneath him,
having black appearance. To MIN no
sound was discernsble; 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-cannons,
shouts, and dogs barking. Innumerable
lights showed he was above thickly-
populated region; a few rockets were
seen. Sill 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 o storm.
One had already passed to the southwark
in the direction of Chicago. II was near
ten O'Clock, and the professor got ready
his anchor, and made arrangements 70
land. Gas was let out snd the balloon
gradually descended. Objects soon com
menced to be visible-fsrm houses and
roads, the noise of wagons could be heard,
then human voices. On dropping the
anchor, it struck clover field, but failed
to take a firm hold Bounding from the
ground, it caught fence, tear
ing down several lengths of rails FL
nally it caught in root snd held fast;
the aerial vessel was anchored upon the
sea of air. Two men and women, on
their way to ball, saw the balloon in
the moonlight, and wsded through the
clover to render assistance, which was
very acceptable. The balloon was soon
rolled up, and with the implements, was
carried by wagon to MaLtawan, on the
Michigan Central Railroad, four miles
from the spot where the descent was
made. Next morning Prof. Steiner went
by rail TO kalamazoo.