Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1878-10-14
4 BALLOON i'm a Gale.

PHILADELPHIA, Oot. l4.--Prolessor hIog,
VINO a:c:nded 10 BIZ. balloon Saturday from
Scranton during violent gals, landed 10 the
Afternoon 10 Montgomery county, Penuss IVanla,
seven or eight miles from NorristoWn. The
balloon vas a complete wreck, but King was
unhurt.
The voyage vas exceptionally exciting, and
tic professor describes the start az being ex
trcmcly thrilling, lhere being barely time 10
discharge ballast Sc as to clear Instructions in
tbs city. lie says when be turned to salute the
crowd there vas but little time to view The
scene az he was Whrled of and up 10 q gale.
lie saw but cong 9meration of houses railroads,
rcundhouses flaming furnaces, cars, chimneys,
heaps Of coal dust AID swarms of people, all OF
which left confused impre ssion as they passed
rapidly away. The earth was uoder cloud
aud looked dreary except bright streak Of
sunshine running along the mountain top west
of Scranton, making that particular spot, By
contrast With the surroundings. appear az en-
era.d gteeD.
The outlook ahead was anything but pleas
ant. The clea,ings were small; denss forests
predonlrated, tringing the approaches to the
shades Of death, a wilderness Of swamp on the
Pocono Mountain. To land 10 such q place
would be to cncouotc: innunerable dangers,
and the velocity of the wind, which at ii tst
BODIED 90 much disaster, gave promise OF safe
passage to the f=lds beyond.
10 seven minutes from the start the lower
cloud level was reached, but the balloon dlsap-
peared in the stratum above a few minutes
later. The balloon was now expanded to its
fullest tension, aud the valve had to be opened
repeatedly to relieve it, but the temperature OF
the cIcu1 was so warm that it rapidly induced
expansion Of tho gas and the aeronaut rose
rapidly. At last, after sailing through dense
mass Of rolling clouds, the sun was seen through
haz:. A height of -, 900 feet was reached
here, but frequent disch arges OF gas brought
the balloon down again to the lower cloud
stratum. Through the latter gmpses were OBJ
tanned of the country beneath, which presented
dismal aspect. Nothing but hills and inter
roadway threading through them, we're 10 be
seen. Again ballast was discharged and the
balloon mounted above the clouds. The mist
had disappeared and the sun, shining with full
force on the balloon, caused rapid ascent 10
the height of 17,CO0 feet. This sltitude was
gradually descended again. The currents were
all in one direction above and below little east
CT south, at the start and due south st the close
Of The voyage. Between the cloud riffs could
now be seen Villages dotting the landscape, and
river ran directly below the balloon. The
nearer the aeronaut approached the earth The
more he realzad how rapidly he was flying over
the landscape and that the danger OF landing
in such storm was imminent.
Tine moment the balloon fell into the cloud
shadow the descent was rapid. The drag rope
WAS lowered, the anchor made ready and the
shock awaited After escaping 8 clump of woods
q field was reached and the anchor was swiftly
thrown out. Hers ensued series of frighttul
leacs across the fields. Whenever the anchor
caught for 40 instant it brought the balloon
down with sudden bound on the earth, csuS-
in it to leap into the freedom of the air again.
The aeronsut held the colaps!ng cord, and Ut
the first pull the balloon struck the ground and
rebounded violently, leaping over an Immense
pile Of jagged pests into an open space beyond.
The car, striking the earth again., WAS shot
through a fence with the velocity of 8 cannon
ball, and Immediately aiLerWard tbs balloon COL
lided with TALL spreading tree, which tore It 10
shreds before it could be extricated. Inc car
hung short distance from the ground and Inc
aoronsu escaped unhurt. This WAS the fourth
trip he had made in the king Carnival" and
he feels its loss severely.
The "Baby's Best Friend" is DR.. Bulls
Baby Syrup, since it maintains the baby's
health by keeping it free from Collie, DlarrEHa,
etc. Price % cents.
BOYS aud youths Clothing 10 great variety
at Dealham' d, g. King street.
Buy $500 Hat at Dealhsm's for $500.