New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-09-10
THE BALLOON VOYAGE.
PROF. WISE TO START TO-DAY IF THE WEATHER is
FAVORABLE.

PROF. WISE TO START TO-DAY IF THE WEATHER is
FAVORABLE.
The Graphic's enormous balloon, with the
lifeboat canoe provisions and scientific instruments,
which have been exhibition at the Capitolne Grounds
Brooklyn since last Saturday again inspected yes
terday by large numbers Prof. Wise stated, in CONVEX
sation with TRIBUNE reporter yesterday that the as
serton that he had at last refused to accompany the
expedition was false. Until he received a promised
communication from the Weather Bureau at Washing
ton regarding the condition Of the weather to-day, he
could not say positively that he would start at
the expected time. If the weather would permit
however, they would cut loose at p. M
If high wind prevails, it will be impossible to attach
the the balloon, in which event. If there are no
other hndrances the aeronauts expect TO leave the car
behind and only the lifeboat
The balloon is made Of unbeached cotton cloth OF
great strength, but OF very fine texture. Forty feet
from the valve another thickness OF thin material Is
added containing $50 yards In all 1915 yards. As each
section was sewn it taken to the Brooklyn Navy
Yard where 1t vanished. In the first coat hieh
consisted of hard boiled linseed oil, thnned with
benzne over 800 gallons Of varnsh used The net
work is formed from marline three strand tarred
ropes, and contains 31s meshes, and the breaking
strength OF each strand is 2SS pounds. which
makes the combined breaking strength 91GSt pounds.
Attached to the lower part Of the network are 90 one
quarter inch manila ropes each 50 feet long, The con-
centrating ring is>four feet diameter and Is con-
sructed Of white oak with inner and outer rims Of STEEL
The ropes which compose the framework Of the as
well as those which support and the convergng ropes
are attached to this ring The is Is feet hgh and
feet and inches wide at its broadcast part. There are
three apartments, in the upper one Of which the
voyager can stand II IL becomes necessary to repair any
injury which that part OF the machine may sustain,
or to cut the car loose. The middle apartment is ill.,
tended for the living OF the aeronaus. The floor
is covered with neat Brussels carpet and ON one side
there is handsome writing desk, on which are maps,
writing material and an elegant silver ice pitcher This
apartment will also contain four chairs, breeeh-
loading rifle, revolver, navlgator's globe, and the
scientific instruments. The lower apartment will con-
tain provisions and water sufficient TO supply the wants
OF four men for 100 days. the ballast &C. The life-boat
will be- suspended under the car l Is " rect inches
long with breadth OF beam OF feet ana 10 Inches,
and a depth Of feet and inches. There Is small
cabin forward. paper will be carried In the
life boat The balloon when inflated, with the ear and
fe-boat attached, will be 100 feet In hight Inc
canvas weighs 5000 pounds netting, 700
pounds; car, $50 pounds :. boat, 200 pounds
Instruments and drag-rope, 1000 POUNDS TOTAL
having a carrying capacity of IS pounds per thousand
give carrying force OF 1900 pounds Inc balloon
will carry Prof John Wise and Washington II. Donald
son. aeronauts Mr.. George A. Lnnt, nayigator ana
with them ~ carrier pigeons Heat necessary Tor COOK
ing purposes will be obtained by means OF sheetron
box IN which lime will be saked light will be produced
from electricity by Geisslers vacuum tubes: lllumf
water burn brilliantly five minutes VIII be taken,
by means Of when the aerOnauts determine their
course by night. II the men start at D. M, they eX-
pect land in Europe on the second morning thereafter