Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 September 1878 — To Europe by Balloon. [ARTICLE]

To Europe by Balloon.

Prof. Samuel A. King, the aeronaut, proposes to start from New York on a balloon voyage to Europe. His balloon will be the largest in the world. It will average about ninety feet in diameter, and will hold between 300,000 and 400,000 feet of gas. The material employed will be Pongee silk, coated with a substance known to the professor only. The silk will be doubled throughout. Pure hydrogen gas will be used, and the

cost of the inflation alone is approximated at $5,000. The car will be a combination of boat and basket, a wicker frame-work, covered with a heavy rubber substance, which can be used as a boat in case of emergency. The professor will start early in June next.