The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-06-06

la d pdilOOl NOydSe Dy Herr All
dree from stockholm October 10, 1898.
In which he crossed the Baltic sea, he
assembled TO q height of $500 feet. and
found that the diminut!on of 'tempera-
ture for the first 1000 feet was at the rate
of one degree for $50 feet, while at the
highest point, the rate decreased to one
degree for 400 feet; the surface tempera-
ture at starting being thrty-six degrees
Fahrenheit He also found that the rela-
tive atmospheric humidity decreased
from 100 per cent. at 5000 feet altitude, 10
per cent. at 1880 feet.
USES OF THE CAPTIVE BALLOON.
1t is not necessary. however, that aero
nauts should risk their lives in extreme
ly high ascensions to ascertain these
facts, as was done by DR.. Berson and
others, when they can be ascertained
with sufficient accuracy by means of
captive balloons carrying self-register,ng
instruments. Such balloons can ascend
to helg1nts where II would be smpos-
sible for an aeronaut TO live, even with
oxygen inhalation; SO that It is not i'm
possible that the atmospheric conditions
prevailing at an tltitude of even ten
miles or more may yet be ascer.ained in
this way.
Captive balloons have various other
important uses. They are employed for
both military and naval observations;
one object of which is TO locate and re-
connoitre the enemy's position in war,
which can thus be ascertained even
when far below the horizon of an OBJ
server at the masthead of ship or on
the watch-tower of q fort.
Another important use to which they
are now applied is to convey the lifeline
from u wrecked ship to the shore. sew
eral hundred small balloons having re-
Gently been ordered by the United
States Life Saving Service for this pur-
CHI nrnN,tHad with
of these balloons, IL wrecked on n lee
shore, can easily send line on shore by
the balloon, when 1t might be impossible
to shoot one by mortar from the shore in
the ship against the wind. Or line can
be sent from the shore to the ship in the
same way if a position can be found
where the wind is favorable.
While the employment of the balloon
for exploration, for war, and for other
important purposes indicated in this ar
ticle Is already we'll assured, it's limited
capacity, comparatively large cost and
lack OF experience in it's management
renders its use for commei cial purposes,
as the carrying of passengers or freight.
practically impossible under present
conditions. There is. however, one way
which has not been indicated. in which
1t may possibly be used for the trans
poitation of passengers and freight, If
financial success in competition with
existing means OF transportation can
be assured. This is by the construction
of suitable electric line and the use in
connection with 1t of captive balloons.
AN INTER URBAN AIR LINE.
Such a line could be constructed with
substantial poles of steel or wood, loca-
ted at short distances apart, and carry
Ing on suitable brackets a. double line
consisting either of stout wire cables or
light rails. similar to those used as con-
Il ,.V1 Il
two branches OF the line being insulated
from each other. SO as to make a COM
pleted electric circuit. Over this line
navi8abe balloons, of the elongated
type, could be propelled by electric mo-
tors, obtaining their currents from the
line In practically the same manner as
1t is obtained by electric cars. and con-
necied with it by stout flexible con-
| ductors terminating either In trolley
wheels or sliding shoes. by which the
balloon should be held 20 the track with
suftcient force to resist strong side winds
and the comparatively slight upward
pressure.
AS the propcling apparatus would
consist only of the electric motor and
screw, a motor OF sufficient power to
produce high speed could be used with
] out absorbing 50 much of the lifting
power by its weight as TO reduce the
| load of passengers and freight below
| profitable limits. And with proper
| steering and propulsion, the strain on a
well constructed track by the force of
the wind against the balloon, would not
| be sufficient to disturb 1t, or endanger
| the balloon; especially as the sailing all
| thude need be only a few feet above the
track JUS; sufficient TO clear all obstIuc-
| tions.
An inter urban passenger line of this
| kind would soon become very popular.
and attract large patronage, not only on
account of It's novelty, but OF the ease
| and comfort of this method of travelling
| gliding almosi unconsciously through the.
air al a high rate of speed without noise
| or jolt, dust or smoke. Such a line
| would have all the advantages of an eIe-
waited road. and could be constructed at
| a mere fraction of the cost especially In
a rough hilly country, as no grading
would be required
| The Modern beauty.
| Thrives on good food and sunshine.
with plenty of exercise in the open air,
1 xsla ,,.ft =, Ia