. FIG. 4.—TOWIKG FROM DESTROYER IN ACTION. The mere appearance of a balloon, empty or other- wise, made it advisable for the submarine commander to keep well below the surface. He was thus unable to come to the surface to attack our ship. Decoy balloons were just as effective in keeping the U-boats beneath the surface. These were small and cost little, and yet they deceived the enemy both as regards dis- tance and object. Kite balloons are capable of being released from the cable and given a free flight in the same manner as a spherical balloon. A kite balloon of 33,000 cubic feet capacity wou
. FIG. 4.—TOWIKG FROM DESTROYER IN ACTION. The mere appearance of a balloon, empty or other- wise, made it advisable for the submarine commander to keep well below the surface. He was thus unable to come to the surface to attack our ship. Decoy balloons were just as effective in keeping the U-boats beneath the surface. These were small and cost little, and yet they deceived the enemy both as regards dis- tance and object. Kite balloons are capable of being released from the cable and given a free flight in the same manner as a spherical balloon. A kite balloon of 33,000 cubic feet capacity would reach an altitude of about 9,000 feet or more with two occupants when free. Parachute descents afford, perhaps, the most thrill- ing experiences of balloonists in war. The parachute is to the airman what the lifebuoy is to the seaman— a means of saving life. Two parachutes folded in cases are always carried on the side of the balloon-car or basket. These are attached to harness worn by the occupants. A parachute is about 26 feet in diameter .and is made of silk, so that it is easily folded into a small bulk. If the balloon is attacked, or if, for any jeason, it is necessary for the occupant to quit the car, it is necessary for him to jump out. In doing so his weight snaps a small cord, or operates a spring, which opens the case and allows the parachute to glide out. It is not till the parachutist has fallen about 200 feet that the parachute has fully unfolded, and is •then able to support his weight. This takes several .seconds, and consequently it is Tather a trying time .for the parachutist. It is obvious that the folding of the parachute must be done with great care, and men are specially trained for the purpose, and the man who may have to do the jumping usually prefers per- sonally to superintend this operation. There is a parachute called the " positive-opening " one, in which wooden ribs are automatically pushed out, forming the dome. This has not been
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