40 



little aeronaut rising regularly in the vertical plane. 

 It was distinctly perceived, from the steady fixation of 

 the eye, and favourable angle of vision, until it had 

 attained an elevation of at least 30 feet, and was finally 

 lost in the vanishing point of elevation. 



A variety of phenomena unite their testimony in 

 favour of the conclusions formed, and from what we 

 consider the direct method of induction. Were the 

 thread not electrical, we may be asked how it could 

 be propelled through the atmosphere in the vertical 

 plane, and remain there, contrary to the laws of gravi- 

 tation ? It is indeed remarkable, that the threads 

 should always remain in the precise plane in which 

 they are propelled, nor swerve from it. The constant 

 relative separation finds an analogy in similarly elec- 

 trified pith-balls, or the divergence of the filaments in a 

 glass plume, placed on the conductor of an excited elec- 

 trical machine, and the electric state of the atmosphere 

 will always be found to modify the phenomena. The 

 transit of the thread through a resisting medium, with- 

 out its suffering deflection in its path, seems to prove it 

 imbued with a power superior to, and able to overcome, 

 that resistance. 



" I saw a spider swinging in the air, 

 And said, < Ambitious reptile, thou resemblest 

 Our worldly proud ones ; and, although thou tremblest 

 At every little gust, canst not forbear 

 To mount aspiringly. For what ? To fall 

 Humbled, as other soarers fall.' But, lo ! 

 I looked, and saw a film, minute and small, 

 Which the adventurer had suspended so 

 That his retreat was sure : and then I said, 

 ' Thou art not like the soarers of the world ; 

 For thou, if from thy seat of glory hurl'd, 

 Hast made thyself secure by this light thread, 

 Which from thy height will light thee safe again : 

 O, thou art wiser far than prouder men ! ' " BOWRING. 



