This mode of building
gives an oval form to the framework of the vessel. The central portion
of the galleries, which is at the same time the highest and the
widest, embraces a length of 66 feet, and is appropriated to the
passengers. The boilers are placed here also, one in each gallery; the
steam being conveyed to the engines by pipes.
'The total length of the ship, including that of the two projecting
masts, is 198 feet; and its total weight, including that of the
machinery, and a crew of eight men, is 14,000 pounds. The balloons are
66 feet in diameter, and will contain 15,000 cubic yards of gas. Their
ascensional force is 20,000 pounds. The wings are 6 feet in length by
15 in width. The screws are made of pitched canvas, rimmed with iron;
they are 6 feet in length.
'The eight central wings, disposed in the form of an upright
roof--_parachute_--or of an inverted roof--_paramont_--are intended,
by pressing on the air above in ascending, and on the air below in
descending, to furnish the necessary point of resistance, or fulcrum,
from which to steer. The other eight wings, four at each end of the
central group, are intended, by being opened or shut, to act as a
counterpoise; thus producing a rupture of equilibrium around the
central fulcrum, and thereby changing the upward movement of the
balloons into an oblique forward movement.
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