The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-06-24
SIXTY HOURS TO EUROPE.

thereby establishing his theories regard
ng the currents of the atmosphere and
the uses to which they can be put for pur-
poses of travel, is in New York. A re-
porter had long conversation with Pro-
fessor Wise, the substance of which is
given below ;
Reporter-Is there any doubt but that if
the money were supplied the expedition
could start this season?
Professor Wise---Not the slightest. Six
weeks would,b be ample sufficient to build
the balloon and equip the entire appara-
tus,
Reporter--Will you be kind enough to
give me some general idea of the plan
upon which the aerial vessel will be built
Professor Wise-The balloon itself will
be globular in shape. A balloon of 100
feet in diameter is of ample size to cross
the ocean, and one of 150 feet would be
sufficiently large for the purpose of circum
navigating the globe. am certain that if
can cross the ocean can go around the
globe. This would require probably eight
or nine days.
Reporter-W What capacity would you
have Professor, for passengers or mails?
Professor Wise-Ip.a balloon 100 feet in
diameter we could take 10000 pounds of
'disposable ballast. In the transatlantic
trip we should take a good deal of this in
tho shape of provisions, cooked and canned
meatsand fruits. A large quantity of
qnicklime would be taken, and we should
sse 1t for warming coffee and boiling eggs.
Reporter-By what means, other than
from the sun, would you determine your
location?
Professor Wise-We should take observa-
lions upon the sun with the sextant. We
should also employ chronometers and the
barometer. We should take reckonings
three times day. The first important OBJ
servation would be to get the barometrc
lines of the upper trade winds. These are
possibly at e regular level over the ocean,
since temperature is more mild below, and
no undulations in the surface exist to cause
.undulations in the air currents. By these
several means we should establish some
system as regards the attainment of points
on the otlser side of the ocean, since we
must necessarily have the advantages of
the two upper trade currents from the
southwest, giving us all the territory which
lies within'tbe range of the compass for
places at winch to land From former ex-
.periences on the lakes judge that can
tell the direction the balloon is travelling
4. A n - 4. n
see the water, except at such times as
clouds intervene. 1 can flnd ont the di-
rections Of tine currents below me without
coming down to seek them, by sUspending
"a light line Of two miles in length from
the balloon, .kaving on it at uegular dis
ltapees, indiees which will register, the di-
.rection of the wind Should the baAeon
encounter, the /" brave west winds" en- the
ocean, with tho aid of a drag line we could
go right along without the loss OF gas or
ballast.
'Reporter-Am to understand that yeu
will have a line fn che water from the car
Professor Wise-Precsely SO. The bal
.anee OF drag-roPe, about 1000 feet in
sength, believes the balloon Of weight exact
ly to the extent ofvthe ropes immersion in
the water. 1t does not materially retam
it's progress, and gives us the exact direc-
ton in which the balloon is travelling.
ShOaid we desire to come down nearer the
water, welhave' only TO wind up this rope.
/ should also state that if no other means
offered for aOcertaining our direction, we
shall have along with us percussion fire.
pots, which, Syhen thrown upon the sea,
will ignite, showing their smoke in day
light and their tight by night. They will
be literally our "pllar Of cloud by day
and pillar of fire by night"
Reporter Please describe the car in
which the passengers will travel.
Processes Wise-We shall have a large
wicisi=wosa car, with strong canvas sides
and roof to protect us from the weather.
In this will oe glass windows. The car
will be of two stories in height. We shall
live on the upper hoer, and in the lower
we shall store our provisions. Underneath
the car will be an open gallery for taking
observations Of the sun. IL will he put as
far below as practicable, 80 as to avoid as
much as possible the shadow from the
balloon. Below the gallery the life boat
will be suspended. This will be of metal
and .decked over. have thought Of tax
ing tue little fullrigged vessel Red White,
and Rlne, as she weighs only 1900 pounds.
] have already seen her owner
Reporter What are the possibilities of