Yet, if a volcanic eruption menaced all the western region of the Carolinas, then a complete examination of the mountain was become absolutely necessary.
Now before the actual ascent of the crater, with its many serious difficulties, was attempted, there was one way which offered an opportunity of reconnoitering the interior, with out clambering up the precipices.

In the first days of September of that memorable year, a well-known aeronaut named Wilker came to Morganton with his balloon.

By waiting for a breeze from the east, he could easily rise in his balloon and drift over the Great Eyrie.

There from a safe height above he could search with a powerful glass into its deeps.
Thus he would know if the mouth of a volcano really opened amid the mighty rocks.

This was the principal question.