MR. GLAISHER'S EXPERIENCE. 



303 



Mr. Glaisher subsequently quite lost consciousness, and " black dark- 

 ness " came. While powerless he heard Mr. Cox well speaking, and then 

 the words, " Do try, now do." Then sight slowly returned, and rousing 

 himself, Mr. Glaisher said, " I have been insensible." Mr. Coxwell replied, 

 " You have, and I, too, very nearly." Mr. Coxwell's hands were black, and 

 his companion had to pour brandy upon them. Mr. Coxwell's situation was 

 a perilous one. He had lost the use of his hands, which were frozen, and 

 had to hang by his arms to the ring and drop into the car. He then per- 



Fig 299. A descending balloon. 



ceived his friend was insensible, and found insensibility coming on himself. 

 There was only one course to pursue to pull the valve line and let the gas 

 escape, so as to descend. But his hands were powerless ! As a last resource 

 lie gripped the line with his teeth, and bending down his head, after many 

 attempts succeeded in opening the valve and letting the gas escape. The 

 descent was easily made, and accomplished in safety. 



Some pigeons were taken up on this occasion, and were set free at 

 different altitudes. The first, at three miles, " dropped as a piece of paper " ; 

 the second, at four miles, " flew vigorously round and round, apparently taking 

 a dip each time " ; a third, a little later, " fell like a stone." On descending 



