The equilibrium
of the airship is so delicate that it can be readily upset, and
taking into account the facts that gas is always exuding from
the bag, and that hydrogen has a tendency to spread somewhat in
the manner of oil upon water, it is argued that the gas would be
ignited, and would bring about the explosion of the airship.
Another method has even been advocated. It is averred in
authoritative circles that when the aerial invasion in force of
Great Britain is attempted, the Zeppelins will advance under the
cover of clouds. Also that the craft will make for one
objective--London. Doubtless advantage will be taken of clouds,
inasmuch as they will extend a measure of protection to the craft,
and will probably enable the invading fleet to elude the vigilance
of the aeroplane scouts and patrols. Under these circumstances it
is suggested that balloon-mines should be sent aloft and be
concealed in the clouds. It would be impossible to detect the
wires holding them captive, so that the precise location of the
lurking danger would not be divined by the invader. Of course,
the chances are that the invading airship would unconsciously
miss the mines; on the other hand the possibilities are equally
great that it would blunder into one of these traps and be blown
to atoms.
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