Sometimes the aeronaut makes his descent by means of the
parachute, a separate and distinct contrivance. If, from any
cause, it appears impracticable to effect a descent from the
balloon itself, the parachute may be of the greatest service to
the voyager at the present day it is chiefly used to astonish the
public, by showing them the spectacle of a man who, from a great
elevation in the air, precipitates himself into space, not to
escape dangers which threaten him in his balloon, but simply to
exhibit his courage and skill. Nevertheless, parachutes are
often of great actual use, and aeronauts frequently attach them
to their balloons as a precautionary measure before setting out
on an aerial excursion.
The shape of a parachute, shown on the previous page, very much
resembles that of the well-known all serviceable umbrella. The
strips of silk of which it is formed are sewn together, and are
bound at the top around a circular piece of wood. A number of
cords, stretching away from this piece of wood, support the car
in which the aeronaut is carried. At the summit is contrived an
opening, which permits the air compressed by the rapidity of the
descent to escape without causing damage to the parachute from
the stress to which it is subjected.
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