2d. In descending, throw out Ballast, when the Balloon is within a Quarter of a Mile of the Ground, but not before, i.e. at 26 Inches by the Barometer: and, if the Fall is precipitate, not less than 25 Pounds Averdupoise, Pound by Pound, or at once, if there should be Occasion. 3d. In Case of Accident, as the Escape of Gass; or if the Balloon be not furnished with +an Equatorial Hoop+; prepare to throw out all the Ballast at the above Height, but not before; as the more forcible the Fall,[6] the greater the _Resistance_ from the Air: cut away Ends of Cords; tear off Ornaments: part with Shoes, Cloaths. All which must be made _loose_ and _ready_ to throw out, at the Moment the Balloon begins to descend. Before the Landing, particular Care must be taken, that the Weight of the Aironaut be sustained, by grasping the Hands round the +opposite+ Sides of the upper Hoop; so that the Feet may not touch the Bottom of the Car. The Knees shoud likewise be bent. Repeating the above, at each Rebound of the Balloon, if any; the Aironaut will alight in the gentlest Manner: and probably the Balloon may act as a Parashute or Umbrella, which _alone_ will, at all Times, ensure an easy Descent. SIGNS WHEREBY TO JUDGE WHETHER THE BALLOON IS RISING OR FALLING. SIGNS OF RISING. [Sidenote: Signs of Ascent or Descent.] 16. 1. When the Aironaut perceives a Pressure upwards against the Soles of his Feet. 2. When some Objects, on the Surface of the Earth immediately below, diminish, and others disappear. 3. When an upper Cloud approaches or involves the Balloon. 4. When a lower Cloud leaves the Balloon. 5. When Rain Snow or Hail beat +violently+ against the Top of the Balloon. 6. When Feathers, Balloon-Flag, or Ribbon seem to be drawn forcibly downwards. 7. When Objects on Earth, or among Clouds below the Balloon, rise and present themselves _beyond those_, which, the moment before, were thought most distant. 8. When the Balloon appears broader and shorter; also fuller at the Bottom; being more distended than at the first Ascent. SIGNS OF DESCENT. [Sidenote: Signs of Descent.] 17. 1. When the Aironaut perceives the Bottom of the Car withdrawing itself from the Pressure against the Soles of his Feet. 2. When Objects on Earth, and surrounding Prospects encrease in Magnitude and Number. 3. When a lower Cloud approaches or involves the Balloon. 4. When an upper Cloud leaves the Balloon. 5. When Weather beats against the Bottom of the Car or Balloon. 6. When Feathers, Balloon-Flag, or Ribbon appear to be drawn upwards. 7. When the most distant Objects _set_, and disappear. 8. When the Balloon seems taller; and its lower Hemisphere less distended, tho’ continuing _tight_. SIGNS OF PROGRESSIVE HORIZONTAL MOTION. [Sidenote: Signs of progressive Motion deceitful.] 18. These are equivocal and deceitful.