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VENTURESOME PROFESSOR DON CARLOS

Having made up my mind to become a balloonist, I decided to be a good one. I searched the public library for books which would be of help in the design and construction of balloons, but found nothing. It became necessary for me to learn the hard way without assistance from outside sources. My problem was to be able to design spherical balloons, to cut patterns that would insure the non waste of materials, to build netting to hold the balloon, to build valves and lead rings, in addition to many other details too numerous to mention. In time I was able to do these things, and was very proud of the accomplishment. Naturally, mistakes made were costly, but it was the only way I could learn and gain experience.


My balloon I purchased in August was delivered in December 1899 and I entered into the business of being an aeronaut and giving public exhibitions with free and captive balloons. The experiences which followed were interesting to say the least. It was not an easy job, far from it, the business developed some hard labor, with no time off for sleep or rest and in some cases it was necessary to work all night to be ready for an exhibition the following day. At the appointed time I did not care how I looked, I was so tired. Frequently I made an ascension without changing my clothes or even washing my face. My experience was typical of most aeronauts who later became famous in the business.