The New York herald., 1873-09-01
THE ATLANTIC BALLOON VOYAGE.

Opinion OF an Eminent English Aero
naut-ls Professor Wise Making Mis-
takes s-The Current Blowing from
West to East and the Lifting Power
Of Gas.
From the London Daily Telegraph, August 20l
To THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY TELEGRAPH:-
SIR-Much that is interesting to scientific men
and to aerOnants will necessarily be associated
with this projected transit OF the Atlantic by means
of balloon. The promoters of aerostation, includ-
ing practical men like myself will, am sure, give
the distinguished gentlemen a welcome reception.
In the meantime it is to be hoped that the aerial
party will look well to their figures, for If the at
tractive programme already put forth is a speci-
men of the data upon which they build their hopes
| fear very much Of 1t will require amendment It
Is to be regretted that several inaccuracies
occur. l will allude to three. First
at least in heir calculations, with firm convic-
ton that at about feet above the earth there
uniformly exists current blowing from west to
east and that it travels at the rate of from 80 to
$50 miles an hour. This idea was somewhat favored
by the celebrated Mr.. Green and was said to be
borne out by his numerous ascents. can only say,
however, with due Difference to high authority,
that it requires confirmation, and that my own
not establish this theory Secondly-An extrava-
CANT conception as TO the rate OF atmospheric
movements Is again shown BY the supposed speed
Mr.. Green's to Germany and M. Nadar's to
Hanover. so far from their having been
made in six hours, l beg to say they both
occupied three times as long. Thrdly-The
Americans appear to think that the lifting
power OF Illuminating gas is ''35 pounds for each
100 feet" II this were so they might well add
cumbrous appendages to their balloon, and rely
upon great ascending power; but the fact is, they
can only reckon upon each 1000 feet instead OF
each 100, lifting 35 pounds. Then, again, we read
that 800 gallons OF Oil and the same OF benzine
were used for the first dressing'-and rare
dressing 1t must have been, too, considering that
each gallon OF oil alone would weigh pounds.
But there Is yet time to correct false deductions
hence the liberty take IN pointing few out. A
year 1s4O when Mr.. Green explained how 1t could
years since, offered to undertake it II funds
were raised. Some ten years back Professor
Lowe, who didn't go, next came forward.
And now, thank goodness 1t Is positively
to be accomplished, and what is more,
through the instrumentaity Of the American DAILY
Graphic. In wealthy England, even under the
auspices OF the British Association met with no
such encouragement to cooperate in exploring the
upper regions. built large balloon entirely at
my own cost. The voyages which was paid for
q do not speak complainingy) were remunerated
at far less rate than my mere public ascents and
nearly One-haf OF them were owing to my freely
and gratuitously Offering the use Of my car in the
interest OF science. There Is something bold and
chivalric about this transatlantic expedition and
true BrtOns, aeronauts among the rest, will give
hearty and fraternal greeting to our American
cousins whenever they shall arrive by balloon. I
remain, obedently yours, HENRY COXWELL.
TOTTENHAM, August 49,