THE LONGEST DROP THE SAFEST.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 338, 30 January 1889, Page 5

THE LONGEST DROP THE SAFEST.

*' How far do you calculate you dropped on Saturday night, Professor ?" "Some little under 1,500 feet. Not quite that height, perhaps, but very close to it. I was gratified with the nature of the drop myself, as I landed 'vithin such a shorb distance from the place where I ascended.' " That does not always happen, I suppose ?" "No. you can bet it does not. But I'll tell you about that by-and-by." " What is the greatest height from which you have descended with the parachute ?" " Ten thousand feet," was the answer which startled me almost off my chair. " Ah," continued the Professor, evidently enjoying my amazement, "you look surprised. Now, let me tell you a secret. The longest drop is always the safest. It gives the patachute time to expand thoroughly; and it also gives me a chance to look around and see where I am likely to land. The danger in a short drop would be that the parachute might not open out quick enough to be of service to me." •' Where did you do that 10,000 feet journey from heaven to earth ?" "At Quincey, my native town. You'll gues3 that I was a bit on my mettle there, and wanted to do my level best in the way of big show."