AIROPAIDIA:

Section 1. THE Public have, for a considerable Time, been entertained with Accounts of aërial Voyages.

Such Accounts are, in many Respects, vague and unsatisfactory: by no Means adequate to the Expectations and Wishes, which have been formed by those, who have not yet penetrated the profound Heights of the Atmosphere.

2. The Voyagers have, now and then, been pretty accurate in Regard to Time Place Distance and Velocity: Circumstances highly worthy of Remark, in order to estimate the Improvement already made in this wonderful Discovery, and point out its Use: but neither ought the several Occasions of Failure in the Experiments 2to be omitted; as they will be found to arise more from a Want of Prudence and Foresight in the Managers, than from any Defect in the Machine, or the Principle on which it acts. Such Failure ought therefore to throw an additional Light and Credit on the Art: and give a Spur to Ingenuity, which, it is not to be doubted, will continue to drive forwards with the same rapid Success; nor rest, till the Art itself is brought to the highest Degree of Perfection; till airostatic Ships make the Circuit of the Globe: a Navigation which, from its Novelty and Importance, deserves to be considered in a separate Treatise.

3. Balloon-Voyagers have likewise been particularly defective in their Descriptions of aërial Scenes and Prospects: those Scenes of majestic Grandeur which the unnumbered Volumes of encircling Clouds, in most fantastic Forms and various Hues, beyond Conception glowing and transparent, 3portray to a Spectator placed as in a Center of the Blue Serene above them: contemplating at the same Instant, and apparently at some Miles Distance immediately below, a most exquisite and ever-varying Miniature of the little Works of Man, heightened by the supreme Pencil of Nature, inimitably elegant, and in her highest Colouring.

Such are the Scenes which, Ballooners all allow, constitute the true Sublime and Beautiful: inspire Ideas of rational Humiliation to a thinking Mind, and raise the most careless Mortal to an unknown Degree of enthusiastic Rapture and Pleasure.

Every Beholder is a Judge of the Scenery around him: and no one, it is presumed, ever ascended into the Atmosphere on a mild Day, with a sound and well ballasted Balloon, that did not wish to taste the Luxury of a second Voyage.

4. Yet notwithstanding, as Ignorance is known to be the Parent of4 Fear, the Bulk of Mankind, which are by far the greater Number, will long continue to entertain absurd Apprehensions concerning it; to oppose and ridicule the Invention; as they will oppose every other Discovery, which they have neither Talents Inclination or Leisure to understand.

This Reflexion shoud, on the contrary, rather excite than check the Ardor of the Skilful and Scientific, to cherish and promote the Art.

In the History of Airostation, each Event is yet new and uncompared. Every Circumstance ought therefore to be carefully recorded: since it woud be unfair to fix Bounds to Science; or argue, that such Inferences, as shall demonstrate the great Utility of the Invention, may not be drawn from Circumstances which Inattention might pronounce to be most trifling and minute.

5. The Reader is requested to observe that, this Account being addressed5 to the Generality, and not to the Curious and Philosophic only; many Circumstances are added, which woud otherwise have been considered as superfluous: and some it was thought proper to repeat, in order to connect the Thread of the Narration, without the Necessity of frequent Reference to the Sections.

6. An Agreement having been made with Mr. Lunardi, that he shoud resign his Balloon to Mr. Baldwin on Wednesday the 7th of September; an Advertisement to that Purpose appeared in the Chester Paper: and on Wednesday Morning, a great Number of Spectators assembled in the Castle-yard of the City of Chester: where many waited till half past IV in the Afternoon; Mr. Lunardi declaring that, on Account of the Violence and Unsteadiness of the Wind which blew from the South and South-West, it was dangerous to attempt the Inflation of his Balloon; and Mr. Baldwin continuing6 to assert that, if it coud be filled, he was willing to go up.

The Weather was then moderate: but Mr. Baldwin, thinking the Hour too late to begin the Inflation, which, judging from the two former Inflations, coud not probably have been completed till after Sunset; made a Proposal to Mr. Lunardi, that he shoud postpone the Exhibition till the next⁠[1] Day. The latter, after some Reluctance, arising from a Fear lest the Public shoud disapprove his Conduct, politely complied with his Request, on Mr. Baldwin’s saying that he woud take the Blame on himself.

Section 7.ON Thursday the 8th of September 1785, at IX in the Morning, one of the Cannons (a Six-pounder) was first fired in the Castle-yard, to inform the City and Neighbourhood, that the necessary Preparations were making to inflate the Balloon.

Till VIII that Morning, the Air had been hazy: but was then clear, bright and calm below, with an upper Tier of light Clouds in the Zenith moving from South-West by West, and dense ones rising in the Horizon.

8. At X o’Clock, the Process began with the Inflation of an airostatic Globe eighteen Feet in Circumference, of Silk Tiffany, made the latter End of the Year 1783, and decorated with Painting, Mottoes and Devices:8 in the Performance of which little Work, Mr. Baldwin was (in the modern Phrase) the sole Projector, Architect Workman and Chymist.

9. The Airostat was presently liberated by the Hands of Mr. Lunardi; and continuing to turn gently the same Way round its own Axis, afforded a beautiful Spectacle to the Beholders: remaining in Sight about half an Hour. It was intended to serve as a Sort of Pioneer, to delineate the Track of the great Balloon.

10. It fell at some Miles Distance, ’tis said unfortunately on a Hedge, and was presently torn to Pieces by the Eagerness and Avarice of the Pursuers, who expected and undeservedly obtained the Reward promised in the Letter appended to it.

11. At XII the Cannon fired a second Time, to announce that the Process was in a proper Degree of Forwardness.

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At this Time Mr. Baldwin went, with some Friends, to take an early Dinner: he also recapitulated the Articles, to be certain that Nothing was omitted.

12. The following Inventory, with which he ascended, may be of Use to future Aironauts; to whom only it is addressed.

The Cable and Grapple are considered as Part of the Balloon. (See Section 13.)

Section 13. THE following Anchor and Cable, for greater Safety and some particular Uses, are recommended as an Improvement.

A strong Iron double Grapple, moving on a Swivel, fastened to a Rope,⁠[5]15 half a Mile, or better a Mile long: and, if not all; a Part of which at least, at the Distance and for the Length of ten Yards from the Grapple, shoud be of Silk, as a non Conductor: also other ten Yards, at its upper End, counting from the Reel or Pulley to which the Silk shoud be tyed.

The Reel or Pulley being at least eighteen Inches in Diameter, and fixed vertically in the Center of the upper Hoop, seven Feet above the Bottom of the Car; by Means of three or four Iron Rods fastened in the Bottom of the Car, and meeting together above the Reel: the Rods so strong as to prevent the Shock which otherwise the Aironaut woud receive in alighting on the Ground.

The Reel shoud have one, or two Iron Winches or Handles, one at each End of the Reel; with moveable16 Handles of Wood round them. The Reel may be furnished with sudden Checks; or gradual Clamps, as in a Mil, to retard the Velocity.

14. The two Extremes to be avoided are, too lofty an Ascent: and too precipitate a Fall.

The former is to be apprehended when Balloon has swelled considerably, and strains as if ready to burst; from the Shape of an inverted Cone, or Children’s Top, changed to that of an oblate Spheroid, or Turnep.

It is therefore necessary to look up at the Balloon from Time to Time: and either open the Mouth, or as it is sometimes called the Neck, for an Instant; or draw the Valve; which is done by pulling a Cord fixed at the Top of the Machine and running thro’ it to the Hand, till the Balloon only appears full without straining.

These Operations are to be occasionally repeated during the Ascent.

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If it is required to rise still higher; gradually throw out Ballast, and repeat the Operations.

The proposed Quantity of Ballast being thrown out, the Balloon will have acquired its utmost Height, and become stationary, i. e. neither rise nor fall.

The self Descent of the Balloon is only in Proportion, as the inflammable Air or Gass escapes thro’ imperceptible Holes in the Silk or Seams.

15. 1st. Tye, or compress the Mouth of the Balloon, for a Moment; which must always be opened, on observing that the Balloon is again risen to so great a Height as to strain, or be distended as above mentioned.

2d. In descending, throw out Ballast, when the Balloon is within a Quarter of a Mile of the Ground, but not before, i. e. at 26 Inches by the Barometer: and, if the Fall is precipitate,18 not less than 25 Pounds Averdupoise, Pound by Pound, or at once, if there should be Occasion.

3d. In Case of Accident, as the Escape of Gass; or if the Balloon be not furnished with an Equatorial Hoop; prepare to throw out all the Ballast at the above Height, but not before; as the more forcible the Fall,⁠[6] the greater the Resistance from the Air: cut away Ends of Cords; tear off Ornaments: part with Shoes, Cloaths. All which must be made loose and ready to throw out, at the Moment the Balloon begins to descend. Before the Landing, particular Care must be taken, that the Weight of the Aironaut be sustained, by grasping the Hands round the opposite Sides of the upper Hoop; so that the Feet may not touch the Bottom of the Car. The Knees shoud likewise be19 bent. Repeating the above, at each Rebound of the Balloon, if any; the Aironaut will alight in the gentlest Manner: and probably the Balloon may act as a Parashute or Umbrella, which alone will, at all Times, ensure an easy Descent.

16. 1. When the Aironaut perceives a Pressure upwards against the Soles of his Feet.

2. When some Objects, on the Surface of the Earth immediately below, diminish, and others disappear.

3. When an upper Cloud approaches or involves the Balloon.

4. When a lower Cloud leaves the Balloon.

5. When Rain Snow or Hail beat violently against the Top of the Balloon.

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6. When Feathers, Balloon-Flag, or Ribbon seem to be drawn forcibly downwards.

7. When Objects on Earth, or among Clouds below the Balloon, rise and present themselves beyond those, which, the moment before, were thought most distant.

8. When the Balloon appears broader and shorter; also fuller at the Bottom; being more distended than at the first Ascent.

17. 1. When the Aironaut perceives the Bottom of the Car withdrawing itself from the Pressure against the Soles of his Feet.

2. When Objects on Earth, and surrounding Prospects encrease in Magnitude and Number.

3. When a lower Cloud approaches or involves the Balloon.

4. When an upper Cloud leaves the Balloon.

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5. When Weather beats against the Bottom of the Car or Balloon.

6. When Feathers, Balloon-Flag, or Ribbon appear to be drawn upwards.

7. When the most distant Objects set, and disappear.

8. When the Balloon seems taller; and its lower Hemisphere less distended, tho’ continuing tight.

18. These are equivocal and deceitful.

When the Aironaut has lost Sight of the Earth by intervening Clouds; the Balloon seems at Rest, and only the lower Clouds appear to move: whereas the contrary may be true, the Clouds may rest, and only the Balloon move.

In this Case, Attention must be paid to the half Mile white Flag, whose Situation and Motion must be observed, with respect to the Balloon, and 22to the Earth before the Cloud intervened. If the Flag retains its Situation with Respect to the Balloon, it may be inferred that no Change in the Direction has happened: if its Situation alters, the Sun or Compass is to be observed: and an Estimate made of the new Current of Air by which the Balloon is affected: its Velocity, Sound, Temperature, &c.

19. But to acquire a Certainty of course, it will be proper to descend below the Cloud: or move by Compass, Map, and a Knowledge of the Country: or try the long Cable (Section 13.)

20. It is likewise necessary to know the Signs of Wind, or Currents of Air.

When the Feathers, Balloon-Flag, or Ribbon, compared with Sun or Compass, take a new and sudden horizontal Direction.

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21. of currents from above: properly named Waves Torrents and Tide of Air.

They are very frequent, and require to be guarded against: are sometimes or long Continuance, at other Times momentary: against the first throw out Ballast at the Height of a Quarter of a Mile, but not before, or as hereafter directed: when momentary, and above that Height, Nothing is to be apprehended: the Balloon will appear broader and recover its Form.

Section 22. BEFORE half past I, Mr. Lunardi had inflated his Balloon in the finest Manner; and having, with the most obliging and spirited Attention, made24 such Preparations, and taken such Precautions, as he thought were necessary to ensure the Success of the Expedition; sent to inform Mr. Baldwin (who continued purposely absent, that he might not disturb or precipitate the Process; but that every Circumstance shoud be conducted with Deliberation and without Hurry) that all Things were ready for his Departure.

23. And Mr. Baldwin takes this Opportunity of returning his best Thanks to his Friends and the Public, on the Day of Ascent, for keeping the small Circle clear, by strictly adhering to the Words of the Advertisement, which declared, “that in order to prevent an interruption of the Process in the Inflation of the Balloon, no Persons were to be admitted within the circle, except those Gentlemen who politely undertook in turn to hold the Lines which detained the Balloon.”

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24. It may be proper to mention that Mr. Baldwin being resolved to prevent the disagreeable Circumstances of being weighed in the Presence of Thousand spectators, at a Time when it is uncertain whether the Balloon has acquired a sufficient Degree of Levity to raise his own Weight, together with the Instruments, Provisions, Ballast, and other Articles, all which are known or easily calculated; finding some Days before, his own Weight, and having calculated the rest as under⁠[7]; he ordered his Servant, on the Day of the Excursion, to bring Lead Weights equal to the Sum total, with an overplus Weight of 10lb. for Levity of Ascent, and place them gradually in the Car, attached for that 26Purpose to the Balloon, soon after the Inflation began. By which Means the Gentlemen who held the Cords were quite at Ease: nor was there Occasion to tye the Lines during the Inflation, to Posts fixed in the Circumference of the Circle; nor consequently to cut them afterwards.

But it will be seen that Mr. Lunardi inflated the Balloon in a superior Manner.

25. All Things being thus prepared, Mr. Baldwin stepped into the Car: and finding, that, besides his own Weight, the Provisions, Articles, Ballast, &c. the Balloon woud support an additional Weight, and still rise with superior Levity; Mr. Lunardi put in 12lb. of additional Ballast, and guessed the encreased Levity at 10lb. more.

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The Weight of a Quantity of Air equal in Bulk to the Balloon, being secluded; and the Gass substituted in its Room.

26. The Calculation of the Weight of Articles was, as follows:

27. The Ballast consisted of three Bags of dry Sand, and two red grit Stones, taken while in the Car, additional.

Section 28.AT 40 Minutes past I, the Balloon having a Levity which not less than 20 Pounds Weight woud counterpoise, Mr. Baldwin was liberated by the Hands of Mr. Lunardi, who suffered no one to approach the Car: and he ascended, amidst Acclamations mixed with Tears of Delight and Apprehension, the Misgivings of Humanity, and other usual Sensations of Surprize, which, in a brilliant and numerous Assembly, will long continue to accompany a Spectacle so novel interesting and awful, as that of seeing a Fellow Mortal separated in a Moment from the Earth, and rushing to the Skies.

29. The Balloon well inflated, tower’d aloft in an upright and perpendicular30 Direction, with a quick Motion, and an accelerated Velocity.

The Aironaut having stood up, for a Minute or two, waving his Hat in the left, and saluting the Spectators with Mr. Lunardi’s coloured Flag in the right Hand; put on his Hat, and having fastened the Flag-Staff horizontally among the Lines of the Balloon, immediately betook himself to different Employments, before he woud indulge in looking over the Brink of the Car; lest the Novelty of the Prospect shoud call off his Attention from Things of Moment.

30. The Force of Ascent was, from the first, plainly palpable: the Sensation being that of a strong Pressure from the Bottom of the Car, upwards against the Soles of the Feet.

31. His first Point being to guard against a Deluge of acidulous Liquor, which, he was told, had fallen, to the Quantity of three Quarts, on the Head and Shoulders of a former Aironaut,31 from the Trunk or Bottom of the Balloon, which ended in a wide circular Opening of eighteen Inches Diameter; he found that when the Weight either of himself, or of the Ballast, was not exactly in the Center of the Car; the Opening of the Balloon woud, without any Trouble, hang so as to lie on the Outside of the Car: but he did not perceive more than a few Drops issue from the Mouth: which happened a few Minutes after he arose.

32. This Difficulty vanishing; he changed his erect into an inclined Posture between sitting and kneeling; sometimes with the right Knee near the Bottom and Center of the Car: and having both Hands quite free, the Balloon being subject to no sensible Motion; he reconnoitred all the Lines and Cords: coiled the Rope or Cable to which the Anchor or grappling Iron was fixed: tyed fast its proper End to the upper Hoop: observed and felt the32 superior Thickness of the Cord leading to the Valve: coiled it, in order that it might be free to act: placed the untyed Bag of Ballast near the Outside of the Car: also the tyed Bags at proper Distances to preserve the Equilibrium: unwrapped one of the white Flags, tyed it to the String on one of the Reels, and just threw it an Inch or two over the Side of the Car: then placed his Watch, open Knife, Scissars, Thermometer and Compass on his right Hand: the Barometer being swung above in Sight towards the left.

33. He then stood on his Feet, with a Design to look down: but his Attention was drawn to the Opening of the Balloon, which began to breathe out by Intervals a visible reddish Vapour; in Form like that which is seen at the Top of a Brewery, only that the under Surface was not jagged but smooth, altho’ wavy and uneven. The Particles which composed it were so large as to be distinctly visible: and appeared,33 as if endued with a very strong repelling Power, from the great and seemingly equal Distances, of about half a Quarter of an Inch, from each other.

It was observed by a scientific Spectator from below, that the Parts of the Balloon, which reflected the Sun’s Rays, appeared of a bright Copper-Colour: but the reddish Vapour issuing from its Mouth put on the Form of a lambent Flame. A similar Appearance had been observed by him, in a former Ascent of the same Balloon, the Neck or Mouth being then likewise open; and also by others, who declared they saw the Balloon on Fire.

The Change of the red into Flame-Colour, when seen at a great Distance, may it not be owing to this, that the direct Rays, being mingled with those which are intercepted between the Eye and the Object, became in Part absorbed,34 and in Part refracted; and therefore coud not reach the Sight?

34. This gentle Evaporation of inflammable Air, or Gass, continued: disappearing at the Distance of four and five Inches below the Opening: nor did it offend the Smell; not descending within its Influence.

35. He then looked upwards at the Balloon, and perceived that it was considerably swelled in its Dimensions: and that the Distention had raised the Bottom-Opening of the Balloon half way between the two Hoops: i. e. from his Hip to his Shoulder, as he stood upright. The Height from the Bottom of the Car (which was a thin circular Board four Feet and a half, Diameter, placed on a strong Netting, and covered with green Bays) to its Top or the lower Hoop, was three Feet; with the Netting continued round between the lower and upper Hoop.

36. He was aware that the Swelling of the Balloon, and copious Vapour35 then issuing from it, denoted the Moment when it began to lose its ascensional or elevating Power; and that its accelerated Motion was diminishing.

He therefore looked at his Barometer and Watch, which was 53 Minutes past I.⁠[9]; took up his Pencil, and on a Card (marked before he left the Earth, as follows:

Chester-Castle-Yard. Thursday, the 8th of Sept. 1785, I. o’Clock, Barometer 29​8⁄10, Therm: 65 in the Shade towards the North;) he wrote “Rose at 40 Minutes past I.” He then looked again at the Barometer, which continued falling for some Minutes, and fluctuating up and down within the Space of an Inch or more. It first began to rest at 23​1⁄4, and a little after at 23​1⁄2. Having looked again at his Watch, he put down “57 Minutes past I. became stationary: Barometer 23​1⁄4: 36Therm: still 65, sometimes lying in the Shade, and sometimes exposed to the Sun: the Balloon turning round frequently thro’ East to South.”

37. The Fluctuation of the Barometer, he imagined to arise from continued Exertions of the Gass within the Balloon, opposed by the atmospheric Air, which varying in Density and Temperature woud give an unequal Resistance to the Balloon: and both Gass and Air being elastic, the Power of Ascent would act by Intervals, and communicate its Pulsations to the Quicksilver in the Tube. His own irregular Motions in the Car would increase the Fluctuation.

38. The Compass likewise traversed backwards and forwards, pointing due North, and unaffected by the Turns of the Balloon: but was useless, as the Sun shone bright the whole Time of the Excursion.⁠[10]

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39. Thing’s taking a favourable Turn, he flood up, but with Knees a little bent, more easily to conform to accidental Motions, as Sailors when they walk the Deck: and took a full Gaze before, and below him.

But what Scenes of Grandeur and Beauty!

A Tear of pure Delight flashed in his Eye! of pure and exquisite Delight and Rapture; to look down on the unexpected Change already wrought in the Works of Art and Nature, contrasted to a Span by the new perspective, diminished almost beyond the Bounds of Credibility.

Yet so far were the Objects from losing their Beauty, that each was brought up in a new Manner to the Eye, and distinguished by a Strength of Colouring, a Neatness and Elegance of Boundary, above Description charming!

The endless Variety of Objects, minute, distinct and separate, tho’ apparently on the same Plain or Level, at once linking the Eye without a Change38 of its Position, astonished and enchanted. Their Beauty was unparalelled. The Imagination itself was more than gratified; it was overwhelmed.

The gay Scene was Fairy-Land, and Chester Lilliput.

He tried his Voice, and shouted for Joy. His Voice was unknown to himself, shrill and feeble.

There was no Echo.

40. He then returned to an Employment which, tho’ irksome, he imagined would contribute to the Amusement and Information of Spectators below, if it coud be completed while he continued in Sight;Its Uses. as it woud furnish them with Ideas of Height and Distance, altogether new and interesting, as will be seen in their proper Place: and unwound half the Reel; the white Flag hanging out to the Length of 440 Yards or a Quarter of a Mile.

41. The circular Motion of the Balloon was communicated to the Loop in the Middle of one Side of the Lath39 or Reel, round which from End to End the Twine was wrapped, and by which it hung on his Finger, and pressed it to a Degree of Pain.⁠[11]

The Work was again suspended.

He coud not long withstand the Temptation of indulging his Eye with a View of the glorious and enchanting Prospect.

42. But the Beautiful among the Objects below was still more attractive than the Sublime among those around.

On looking down South by West, the Balloon often turning gently to the right and left, and giving the Aironaut an Opportunity of enjoying the circular View without a Change of Attitude; innumerable Rays of Light darted on the Eye as it glanced along 40the Ground: which, tho’ of a gay green Colour, appeared like an inverted Firmament glittering with Stars of the first Magnitude.

43. This splendid Appearance was owing to the Rays of the Sun reflected from certain Pits or Ponds of Water, of which there is one at least in most Fields or Inclosures throughout the County: but particularly in the low Grounds of Leach-Eye and Dodleston.

The Object that next drew his Attention, while ascending, was the Overley Turnpike-Road, which is remarkably wide, (resembling the Emilian Way across the Atrian Fens, between Bononia and Ferràra in Italy) raised over Saltney Marsh, leading to North-Wales and Holyhead: composed of Sea-Sand cast up above high Water Mark. This appeared like a narrow Foot-Path well trodden, of a white Colour, and strait as if drawn by a Line.

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44. Nothing however raised his Curiosity more than the Change in Colour of the River Dee, Avon ddû, (i. e. Thee) which in the British Language signifies the black River, from the Appearance of its Waters, when seen from an Eminence running in their deep Channel between the Mountains of Wales; but which glides by Chester with a Silver Stream. This River,—Thanks to the cool Climate; not like the green Mincius of Virgil!—had now acquired the unvaried Colour of red Lead. Nor coud he discover even the Appearance of Water; but merely that of a broad red Line, twining in Meanders infinitely more serpentine than are expressed in Maps.

Whether the Change arose from the Transparency of its Waters, when seen at the Height which was apparently 7 Miles, as will be noticed hereafter, though the Barometer made it scarcely a Mile and Half, is uncertain. He was at first inclined to think, that42 the Rays, having suffered a double Refraction, were reflected to the Eye, from the reddish Sand which forms their Bottom, tho’, at the Depth of 7 Yards at an Average, above the Cause-Way, or artificial Cascade near Chester Bridge: or possibly the Water of Rivers when seen at a certain Distance, may act as Water composing Clouds when view’d from below, at a certain Height and Angle; reflecting only the red Rays: the rest being refracted, or absorbed.

The Colours of Objects shone more brilliant and lively at that amazing Height, than if seen on a Level with themselves.

Nor did the Eye seem to want the Aid of Glasses: as every Thing, that coud be seen at all, was seen distinct.

45.The Redness of the River Dee was curiously contrasted by a Change equally novel but more pleasing, in the Colour of the City of Chester, when seen directly from above, on a43 Scale not larger than the Plan of it, in Burdett’s Map.

The Town was entirely blue.

The highest Buildings had no apparent Height: their Summits were reduced to the common Level of the Ground. Nor was the Cathedral distinguished; nor any Tower or Spire discerned.

The Whole had a beautiful and rich Look; not like a Model, but a coloured Map.

The Roofs of all the Houses appeared, as if covered with Lead, in the most elegant Taste.

Strangers may wish to be informed, that in most of the Northern Counties, the Buildings are covered with blue Stones called Slates⁠[12] found in the Mountains; instead of artificial red Tiles, as in London, and the South of England.

Section 46. BEFORE a farther Description of aërial Scenes is attempted, it woud be improper not to mention a Circumstance which happened on the first Ascent of the Balloon: and too strongly called forth the tender sympathetic Feelings, by raising, in the Minds of the Spectators, alarming Apprehensions for the Safety of the Aironaut, on seeing the Balloon move gently towards the Sea.

They were however, in a great Measure, soon relieved from their Anxiety: for, by rising into another Current, he escaped the Danger: skirting the Coasts of the River Mersey; which coud not be seen from the Balloon at the Distance of little more than a45 League, tho’ the Sun was supposed to shine the whole Time on the Water.

The upper Current was, in Fact, rendered visible to the aërial Traveller, for more than two Hours before, and at the Time of his Ascent; by lofty Clouds of the second Stratum, flying in a safe Direction.

Section 47.A Few Seconds of Time before the Balloon had attained its greatest Height; the Velocity of Ascent being every Instant retarded by the Escape of Gass thro’ the Opening;—the remarkable Stillness which prevailed in so elevated a State of the Atmosphere, apparently many Miles above all visible Vapour, far beyond the Sight of every living Creature, and where the human Voice was no longer heard from below; the larger46 Objects, with which the Surface of the distant Earth was covered, as Rivers Woods Inclosures, diminishing to the View, yet encreasing in their Beauty;—coud not but make a lively Impression on the Mind of the Aironaut.

The striking Contrast and Novelty of his Situation filled him with unusual and pleasing Sensations.

He had just left, for the first Time, his native Earth, where he had continued for a while the central Object to some thousand Spectators; whose Eyes, he knew, were still turned towards him; that he was still the Subject of their Conversation: yet no human Figure met his Sight; no human Sound vibrated on his Ear.

An universal Silence reigned! an empyrèan Calm! unknown to Mortals upon Earth.

The Sky was painted with a purer, and more transparent Azure. The Sun shone hot, and with a brighter47 Lustre. His Beams were white and sparkling: not surrounded with Haze or Vapour: but too fierce for the human Eye to look upon a second Time with Pleasure.⁠[13]

48. A Chearful Serenity filled the Breast of the Aironaut.

In an erect Posture, and with the 48utmost Composure he gazed around: reflecting with Wonder and Delight on a Situation, where the Beautiful and Sublime were seen united, in a Manner perfectly novel and engaging.

If it be allowed, for the Sake of Illustration, to compare great Things with small; he found himself suspended in the central Concave of an unmeasurable Crater Bowl or Bason; and considerably above the Rim or Margin, so as to peep fairly over it: for by looking straight before him, while the Balloon continued gently turning on its vertical Axis, he coud see quite round into the Blue.

The Earth was the Miniature-Picture⁠[14] painted on the Bottom of the Bowl, on the Inside. The Sides of the Bowl next the Bottom were rather obscure: as the Objects, on the Surface of the Earth not immediately under the Eye, being foreshortened, 49were indistinct, either on Account of their immense Distance, or by mere Accumulation of Vapours, and mixed with Haze and Cloudiness.

From thence to the Top of the Bowl, was fantastically grouped, spotted, and dash’d with Clouds dense and luminous, in the strangest and most grotesque Forms; still smaller and more numerous, as the Eye was more extended: The Rim or Margin ending, not in a fringed Border; but in a plain smooth Line; to represent the amazing Distance, at which, the upper Surfaces of Clouds in Perspective lost all their rugged mountainous and fringed Shapes; and terminated even and smooth: making a perfect horizontal Ring in the Heavens, somewhat below the Eye of the Observer. The whole formed a glorious Concave: and the Imagination was lost in the surrounding distant Azure.⁠[15]

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49. Considering more attentively the Dimensions of this vast Amphitheatre; as he long continued apparently in the same Spot, and seemed to himself a mere Atom floating invariably in the Center of the empty Space; yet as a sole thinking Being there, whose Mind was bent on estimating the Extent of his View, so accurately defined by the circular Horizon of dense accumulated Vapour; and judging, as of other Distances, by the natural Eye alone; pointing downwards on Objects which were only distinguishable when immediately below it, frequently no more than the 51Circuit of a Mile on the Earth’s Surface, the vertical Boundary of the profound Abyss; all else being obscured by Haze, or removed from Sight by Volumes of intervening Cloud; he coud not divest himself of the Idea, but that the apparent Depth below him was at least seven Miles: three from the Earth to the upper Surface of the superior Clouds,⁠[16] and four above them.⁠[17]

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50. Some may find a Difficulty in conceiving, how the whole Prospect of Clouds and Earth together coud put on a concave Appearance: both of which were in Reality convex, with Respect to the Situation of the Observer in the Car.

A familiar Illustration may help to remove the Objection.

Imagine a Person placed in the Center of a Plain, or Carpet; extended every Way beyond the Reach of the Eye. If in that Situation he was gradually elevated; the distant Parts of the Carpet woud seem to rise with him: and those Figures of the Pattern woud alone be distinguished, that lay immediately below the Eye: the more remote becoming dim and faint. The whole would put on the Form of a 53 concave Bowl; as soon as he had risen to so great a Height, as plainly to perceive the Figures of the surrounding Pattern more and more foreshortened, in Proportion to their Distance from the Center of the Carpet.

Section 51. THE Perspective of the Clouds was entirely new; and remarkable both for Beauty and Grandeur.

The lowest Bed of Vapour that first put on the Appearance of Cloud was of a pure white; in detached Fleeces; encreasing as they rose. They presently coalesced, and were aggrandized into a Sea of Cotton, but more white; and dazling: tufted here and there by the light Play of Air, and gentle Breezes in every Direction: but where undisturbed, the Whole became an54 extended Firmament or white Floor of thin Cloud, thro’ whose Intervals the Sun must shine with fiercer Gleam. The upper Surface was quite even: not blended with the Air above, but defined and separated with the utmost Exactness; being condensed by the Coolness, and checked in their Ascent, by the Levity of the superior Regions.

Thro’ this white Floor uprose in splendid Majesty and awful Grandeur, at great and unequal Distances, a vast Assemblage of Thunder-Clouds: each Congeries consisting of whole Acres in the densest Form.

52. Their conglomerate and fringed Tops rising, at different Distances, in circular Order, one above the other, to the Number of thirty: till they became imperceptible from their remote Situation: the Eye commanding an Extent of 102 Miles.⁠[18]

55

Their Form was, as if Pieces of Ordnance were discharged perpendicularly upwards into the Air: and that the Smoke had consolidated, at the Instant of Explosion, into Masses of Snow or Hail: had penetrated thro’ the upper Surface or white Floor of common Clouds, and there remained visible, and at Rest.

Some indeed had not wholly lost their Motion: continuing still to be lifted up. Others ponderous and sleepy, nodded, by mere Weight, their monstrous Heads. It seemed as if they had persisted in mounting upwards, till they coud rise no higher: their lower Parts pressing perpendicularly 56against the upper, which gradually swelled them out on all Sides. By partial and temporary Movements of 57the Air, some broad unwieldy Caps lost the vertical Direction of their Columns. The Columns likewise underwent a similar and gradual Change: rolling from their Pedestals or spiral Bases; and, at Times, assuming every organized Shape that Fancy coud suggest.

53. The imperceptibly slow yet perpetual Changes they underwent, strongly called to Remembrance, the 58Opinion of the great Berkeley,⁠[19] as well as of the ancient Philosophers, that AIR GIVES FORM TO THINGS: scarcely a Breath of which seemed, however, to disturb their general Order.

The Constitution of these enormous Masses was such as to reflect some of the Sun’s Rays, and to transmit others in a Variety of Colouring.

54. The Parts next the Sun were of a snowy Whiteness. Then of a bright luminous Yellow melting into a dusky Sulphur: afterwards of a Purple. The Rays being now shorn; a Degree of Opacity and Transmission took Place throu’ half the Substance of the Cloud, which seemed of a transparent Blue like the Onyx.

55. These delightful Tints must be ever eclipsed to a Spectator on the Surface of the Earth, looking upwards throu’ the gross Atmosphere that surrounds it; but highly interesting to one who 59is suspended in a ratified and unencumbered Medium of the etherial Regions, where the Eye darts without Resistance above Clouds, and all visible Vapour.

Note: the Print, representing a circular View from the Balloon at its greatest Elevation, is taken from a Scene described in the above Chapter.

Section 56. DURING the Time that the Balloon from being stationary at 23​1⁄4 (corresponding to the Height of about a Mile and a half) began to decline, which it must have done with a brisk Motion, imperceptible to the Aironaut at the Time, tho’ since recognized, on Account of the great Opening at the Bottom; he traced its Shadow over60 the Tops of Volumes of Clouds below. It was at first small: in Size and Shape like an Egg: but soon encreased to the Magnitude of the Sun’s Disk; and woud have made a solar Eclipse to a Spectator looking from the Cloud: still growing larger, as the Balloon descended, or Clouds arose. But his Attention was presently called to another equally novel, but more captivating Appearance; that of an Iris encircling the whole Shadow, at some Distance round it. The Colours were remarkably brilliant.

This celestial Phantom attended the Aironaut for a few Minutes: conforming, as a Vessel at Sea, to the Change of Surface; now plainly visible, now indistinct and disappearing; as it passed throu’ the luminous or shadowy Wave of Clouds apparently at Rest.

57. The Clouds, in which this Phenomenon continued, were of the superior or second Stratum in Height, as in61 fair Weather; rare; of a transparent Blue and purest White, alternate. At the End of four Minutes they dispersed, so as to admit an unexpected Sight of the pictured Land thro’ them, and thro’ the Place of the Balloon-Shadow; whose Form first vanishing, the Iris remained, for a few Seconds, complete, and in resplendent Beauty.

58. Írides, of the same Kind, tho’ of less vivid Colours, are seen round the Moon, in a mild Evening; as thin light Clouds move slowly under it.⁠[20]

59. The Sun shone brighter and fiercer, when the Balloon was at its greatest Height: the Heat piercing throu’ his Cloths, (which were of a dark Colour;) while the Aironaut stood with his Face from the Light.

The Mouth remaining open, it continued62 to descend, as appeared by the Barometer which had risen nearly to 24 Inches: at which Instant Mr. Lunardi’s coloured Flag was thrown out, for the Information of a Friend; and that Spectators below might judge what was nearly the perpendicular Height of a Mile in the Air, according to Halley’s Table.

60. The Flag was seen by the Aironaut descend for three Minutes: at which Time it became invisible. It fell, not perpendicularly; but in large Spirals, and by Jerks; darting first on one Side, then on the other. The Resistance of the Air made it act as a Parashute. The Flag was instantly pursued, and taken up in a Field one Mile distant from Chester. The Descent of the Balloon must have been retarded, being four Pounds and a half lighter.

61. The Pigeon was then taken out of the Basket of Matting: Thermometer 54; Barometer 25⁠3⁄10. It trembled63 much. Being turned loose, it looked frequently up at the Car; but flew downwards in cylindrical Gyrations eight or ten Yards in Diameter, according to the Turn of its Head to the right, which seemed to rest in an oblique Attitude: the Wings and Tail continuing extended as much as possible, but without Motion, during its Descent. The Bird was out of Sight in a few Minutes: but continued, as the Owner observed, full half an Hour, in the Air.

Section 62.AT 10 Minutes and a half past II. o’Clock, the fourth or last Cannon, a Six-pounder (to announce, by preconcerted Agreement, that the Balloon began to be invisible to Spectators in Castle-Yard, Chester) was distinctly64 heard by the Aironaut; but had no Effect on the Balloon: did not agitate it in the least: the contrary of which was expected.

For the same Cannon, discharged the third Time at the Distance of 30 Yards from the Balloon, when it had risen a few Feet from the Ground; affected it so strongly, that the Aironaut was then only obliged to keep himself upright, by holding the Cords with his Hands.

63. At 17 Minutes past II. was heard the Sound of a Number of Voices, which it was then imagined came from Chester, as the farewel Salute after the last Cannon: but it was afterwards known that the Balloon did not become wholly invisible, till that Shout.

64. From an Observation made by a Spectator in the Castle-Yard, just half an Hour intervened between the Discharge of the third, and of the last Cannon; as therefore the Report was65 half a Minute, or 30 Seconds⁠[21] longer in reaching the Balloon; the Distance of the Balloon at the Time of the Report was nearly six Miles and a half.

64. The single thin white Cloud of the first or lowest Order in Height that rendered Chester invisible to the Aironaut, was observed several Minutes before, apparently to pass under the Balloon, retire from it, to approach, and expected to invelope, the blue City of Chester: which for a long Time had been kept in View, and seen obliquely, under the common Perspective, with a small Degree of Elevation above the Level of the Ground: suggesting to his Mind the curious and complete Model of Paris, exhibited 66some Years ago on a small Table, in many Towns of Europe.

The Cloud appeared, four Miles Distance at least from the Aironaut; below; and as if touching the City. The contrary Supposition, it seems, took Place, among the Inhabitants there: who thought, a Cloud, a Mile above them, had surrounded and inveloped the Balloon.

65. The Pepper Salt and Ginger were tasted, and found to retain their usual Pungency: contrary to what Travellers have reported to happen on the Peak of Teneriffe.

The small Hank of yellow raw Silk tyed to the upper Hoop, and hanging down from it, appeared rough, as if electric: and, tho’ drawn thro’ the Hand, continued furred as before.

66. It was now thought a proper Time to finish the original Work of unwinding the remaining Part of the half Mile of Twine: which proved equally tedious, as at the first; and67 took up a considerable Time. When completed, the white Flag was extended exactly half a Mile from the Car.

67. Perceiving that the Balloon was descending very briskly, by the Appearance of Cattle in the Corner of a Field;Ballast thrown out, first, one of the two solid Weights was cast down: then the other.

A Return of Sound to the Balloon, from the lighter which weighed five Pounds, was heard in 130 Countings of a Watch, which made 120 of the same full Beats in a Minute.

Before the Weight became invisible; it appeared to move a good Deal out of the Perpendicular: owing either to an under Current; or to a Deception of Sight, respecting the horizontal Motion of the Balloon in a different Direction, during the Descent of the Stone.

68

The other must have fallen in soft Grass, or otherwise: as it was not heard.

Section 68.AT 28 Minutes past II. the solid Weights before mentioned were thrown out.

At 29 Minutes the Barometer had fallen to 25 Inches.

A Handful of Feathers were sent adrift, which fell quick: demonstrating likewise the Ascent of the Balloon, a second Time: but, tho’ 12 Pounds lighter, it did not seem to regain its original Height: judging merely from this Circumstance, that no more Gass escaped visibly from the Mouth.

69. It is somewhat remarkable, that, on repeated Enquiries from unprejudiced Persons, the white Flag, when suspended from the Car above 440 Yards, appeared 4 Yards long: and69 when at the end of the half Mile Twine, seemed about 8 Yards long, to Spectators from below, in different Places: that sometimes it appeared before, and sometimes behind the Balloon: while to the Observer in the Car, it seemed regularly to follow the Balloon: unless when a new Motion was impressed upon the latter: at which Time the white Flag was situated almost under the Car: or when the Balloon changed its Direction; the Flag being then not always discoverable.

When seen edgewise or foreshortened; it woud appear to be nearer the Car than it really was.

70. As there was a Peculiarity attending the Situation of the half Mile Flag, which may prove of singular Use in Airostation; it ought not to be passed over in Silence.

The half Mile Flag hanging loosely from the Car; not perpendicularly under, but following it, frequently at70 an Angle of about 45 Degrees; shews that the Flag met a Resistance from the Air, unfelt by the Balloon: which out strip’d it, in Proportion to the greater Surface which the Balloon exposed to the Wind.

Taking also into the Account, that the Balloon remained in Equilibrio; while the Flag was subject to the Force of Gravity: which Force was restrained from Exertion, otherwise than as a Vis Inertiæ, to keep it always in a perpendicular Situation.

The Resistance of the Air, acting in an horizontal Direction against the Vis Inertiæ of the Flag, must have a Tendency to drive it back: which being ineffectual; the Flag must consequently rise; and in rising will retard the Balloon.

A Power may therefore be communicated to a Balloon, in the Direction of the Wind, which shall retard its Progress throu’ the Air: a Subject71 which seems capable of farther Prosecution.

Section 71.FROM 28 Minutes after II, till the Balloon had passed over the Forest of Delamere, and the steep Crag of Helsbye-Hill; thin light semi-transparent Vapours, which seemed to be collecting at a vast Depth below; moving slowly in all Directions; rising to great Heights, falling, melting away, and again condensing;—(the Land, one while covered with a white Veil; then caught thro’ Openings for a few Seconds; the Objects appearing more distinct and coloured, from being seen in detached Groupes and single Pictures framed and enshrined in fleecy Vapour; now again discovered by a Glance of the Eye, and then repeatedly escaping from72 the Sight;)—wonderfully heightened the Grandeur, Gaiety and inimitable Beauty of the ever varying Prospects.

An Illustration taken from Scenes abroad.

72. Appearances of a similar Kind are frequent in the noble and venerable Structures appropriated for divine Worship abroad: whose Walls are decorated with the finest Paintings; the Subjects solemn and engaging; suited to inspire a chearful Devotion.

While the inferior Clerics perfume the Garments of the Priests officiating and offering Incense before the high Altar; which is ornamented with full-Length Portraits in the richest Drapery, of Persons whether male or female, reputed of sound Morals and exemplary Piety; accompanied by Guardian Saints and happy Angels;—Columns of white Smoke, wafted from Silver Censers, rise to a certain Height in slow majestic Movement, before the Eyes of the kneeling Suppliants, who are instantly shut out from the enchanting73 View; till the Clouds dispersing, shew by Intervals, a Glympse of the celestial Prospect, and of the higher Orders of Beings, who look down with Complacency upon them; and seem actually descending throu’ Openings of the Clouds which appear at Rest.

Section 73.AT 33 Minutes after II, the Balloon-Shadow was again the Center of a brilliant Iris, painted at some Distance round it on Clouds below.

74. One of the Pint-Bottles for light Air was prepared (as in Article 14, of Section 12;)Bottle filled with light Air. and dropped from the Car.

The Water it contained was poured74 down, to observe the Effects of Air and Light on the Drops.

The Air did not at that Height oppose a Resistance sufficient to break the Stream into small Drops. Nor did they seem to coalesce: remaining, while they continued in Sight, of the same Size; some very large, others less so; and at the same relative Distance, as when they first left the Bottle.

The Colours seemed stronger than usual.

It may be here observed that none of the Bottles were returned; tho’ found, and a Reward promised.

The Country People, as soon as they saw a Bottle; imagining it must contain some Liquor, immediately contrived to open it: by which Procedure, the Intention of the Experiment was frustrated.

The Bottles, which are dangerous Companions even without Liquor,75 shoud, notwithstanding, be left in the Car: at least till the Time of landing the Balloon.

75. While the Balloon was first rising; a gentle Motion of the lower Current of Air carried it immediately towards the Sea. (Section 46.)

At which Time, the Aironaut by a Glance discovered the Mouth of the River Dee, four and five Miles wide, yawning before him: the Prospect extending to the Sea, as far as the Smoke from the Lead-Works near a Place called Flint on the Welch Coast; and to Burton-Head on the Wirral Side; distant ten Miles from Chester.

He has since been informed; that the Balloon seemed to rest, for a few Minutes, in the Air: and then return slowly over Chester.

It is therefore more than probable, that as the Balloon continued to ascend; it was becalmed in a quiescent Stratum or Bed of the Atmosphere,76 which existed for a certain Depth or Thickness, between the lower and upper Current: and that the Direction of the Balloon was changed; the Instant it arrived within the Influence of the upper Current.

Consequently, with a proper Apparatus to ascend and descend at Will, without Loss of Gass or Ballast; the Balloon woud have remained suspended invariably at the same Height, and vertically over the same Spot of Earth: or, with propulsive Machinery; might, on the same Level, have been rowed to any Point of the Compass.

76. In passing only across Trafford Meadows, three Miles from Chester; the Balloon lost its usual progressive Motion over the Country: for more than a Quarter of an Hour, following the Course of the River Goway to the West North-West, and towards the Sea, as at Chester: turning gently backwards and forwards round its own77 Axis, near the Villages of Great and Little Barrow: and making Curves over the Meadows, whose Breadth at those Places was about a Mile.

The Balloon then returned into its former Direction: inclining, again, towards a Brook and Meadow near Alvanley: passed Eastward a little to the left of Manley (white) Mill: crossed the Forest of Delamere, and Crag of Helsbye, (about twice the Height of Shooter’s Hill, near London;) whose lofty Summit was apparently reduced to a common Level with the Valley made by the River Wever, and with the adjacent Sea Marsh. Nor coud it have been distinguished by a Stranger, as an Eminence.

Indeed, the Wood near Kingsley, which grows on a sloping Ground, skirting the Hill, and from the Sun, put on a dusky Hue; and the Tops of the Trees a darker Green: this Difference of Colour, conveyed the faint Resemblance of a rising Slope. A78 real Knowledge of the Country probably contributed to aid the Imagination in this Distinction.

Note: the Print representing a View of the Balloon over Helsbye Crag, refers to a Scene in the above Chapter.

Section 77.AT 39 Minutes after II, Thermometer 60, Barometer 23​3⁄4, corresponding to the Height of a little more than a Mile.⁠[22] the Vapours dispersing, discovered the Town of Frodsham, and Bridge over the Wever distant from the Town one Mile: the Balloon still continuing at a vast Height; having risen imperceptibly from the Time that the Ballast was thrown down.

From a Conversation held the next Morning at Frodsham, with some intelligent Persons who had descried79 it gliding gently throu’ the Air; the Balloon appeared so extremely minùte, that it was thought impossible to be the one expected the same Day to rise at Chester with an Aironaut.

To use their own Expression, “it coud not have been larger than a Bladder, if they had seen it on the Ground.”Half Mile white Flag like a Feather. The same Persons observed the white Flag, like a Feather about 8 Yards Distance from the Balloon.

A second Air Bottle was thrown down.

78. The Town of Kingsley being to the East; Frodsham-Bridge half a Mile to the West; the Conflux of the Rivers Wever, and the wide Mersey falling into the Sea one Mile farther Westward; the Balloon proceeding in its usual Course over the Country in the upper Current; began to be impeded, on its vertical Approach across the Meadows to the Wever; was actually stopped; and being entangled by80 the River, evidently changed its former Direction: imitating, if possible, its Meanders; or at least making Gyrations in Circles of different Diameters, at the same Time turning different Ways round its Axis: describing Curves, something similar to that of the Moon round the Earth in her Orbit; or of Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars, as those Curves are delineated in the Prints of Long’s Astronomy:⁠[23] the Course of the River being its changeable Center.

79. It is to be observed, that if the Balloon had continued to pursue its former Course; no Danger was to be apprehended of its falling on the Sea, or on the broad Branch of the River Mersey towards Warrington.

On the contrary, it must have gone into the Heart of the adjoining County, and passed near Manchester.

It is likewise worthy of remark; that unless a Fragment of light Vapour81 intervened for a few Seconds; the Country immediately below the Observer was continually illuminated by the Sun’s Rays: tho’ none but the larger Objects were distinguishable at the Bottom of the profound Abyss, more than two Miles in Diameter at one View: that being the utmost Boundary of the circular Prospect below.

80. The Sea tho’ known to be near by the Dashing of its WavesCircularity of Prospect below, bounded by Vapour. upon the Shore, which were plainly heard, was totally eclipsed: as if by Haze or Vapour, which began to be accumulated only at a certain Height below the Balloon; yet in such a Manner as not to prevent the solar Rays from penetrating throu’, and shining bright upon the Water.

81. There was now sufficient Leisure to trace the incredible Variety of most beautiful Curves, into which the Stream had worked the Bed of the River Wever in a Course of Time, and in the82 Compass of a few Miles: an Appearance which demonstrates the Incorrectness of Maps.

Some actual Clouds presented themselves in detached Groupes over the Land: and the Land itself shone plainer throu’ the Intervals, than in Places near which no Clouds appeared.

82. On reconnoitring the scattered Town of Frodsham, which like Chester was of a light Blue; the Balloon moving by Intervals round its Axis, the Prospect seemed to open on a sudden; and the Aironaut coud discover theSight of Warrington. Town of Warrington: the Plan of which was small, neat, but of a darker Blue, inclining to Grey: the Slates⁠[24] there used being almost peculiar to the County of Lancaster.

83. From this Enlargement of the Prospect over Land, he imagined that the Balloon was either gently descending;83 or that it appeared throu’ the clear Intervals of actual Clouds below him.

84. He had Time however to make the following Remarks. Cattle, if grazing in the Meadows, were not distinguishable; or at least were not distinguished. It was in vain to look for Sheaves of Corn, or Hattocks on the Ground: possibly from a Sameness of Colour like the growing Stalks, and Field: or protruding but a small Degree of Elevation; tho’ the Shadow even at twelve o’Clock⁠[25] was something 84longer than the perpendicular Height of each Object.⁠[26] Noises of Carriages along the great public Road; especially Waggons and Carts heavily laden; (the Gratings of whose Wheels against the Stones seemed uncommonly harsh;)Pleasurable Circumstance peculiar to the Balloon. were discriminately heard, tho’ not discoverable by the Eye. Numbers of human Voices were almost continually huzzaeing:85 except while stationary at the first Rise; when all around was wrapt in the Sublimity of Silence; which afforded a pleasurable Contrast;—diffusing a delicious Calm.

A third Bottle of Air was thrown out.

Section 85.AT 4 Minutes past III, the Balloon remained vertically over the River, and over the elegant Mansion called Aston.

86. A Wind was heard below for a few Seconds: and the Air felt a little cool. Thermometer 55, or Temperate: Barometer 25​1⁄2, corresponding to the Height of near a Mile.⁠[27]

87. The Balloon continuing its eccentric Movements from Side to Side across 86the Meadows; yet still gliding down the River, in a North-West by North Direction, almost at right Angles to that which it before had held; consequently towards the Sea, and in a Line which continued must pass throu’ the Center of the Channel: some Step it was necessary to take, and soon. By throwing out Ballast, the Balloon woud instantly rise: but it woud probably, as before, rise into a Calm, and therefore descend nearly in the same Line: which woud merely protract the Time till the Balloon had reached the Center of the Channel: where, having no Resource, the Ballast being then expended; there might be some Risque in waiting for a Vessel, tho’ the Balloon woud not for several Hours, have lost its levitating Power, so as to have sunk with the Aironaut. To him however it immediately occurred, that there might be an under Current of Air, as usual in the Middle of the Day, blowing87 from Sea to Land: and, that if the Balloon was made to descend quickly into the Sea-Breeze; it might, in a few Minutes, be carried so far within the Country, as to be soon beyond the Influence of the Sea and River: and then, by throwing out some Pounds of Ballast, woud return into the upper Current, and pursue a safe Course towards Manchester; or even towards Prescot and Liverpool, if an easterly Wind prevailed above.

88. In Consequence of these Expectations; he looked downwards towards the Sea, then wholly invisible; tho’ the Murmuring of its Waves was more plainly heard.

Thick Smokes were distinguished issuing from different Places along the Marsh near the Coast: and apparently skirting the Ground, as if impelled by a brisk Wind from the Sea.

89. No Time was to be lost.

The Balloon having reached the Cascade; and continuing to move88 more regularly along the Course of the River, past the Bridge, and proceeded to Rock-Savage.

90. The Neck or Mouth which remained shut, by its own Pressure against the Outside of the upper Hoop, as it lay over it; was instantly brought within the Hoop, and set wide open in a perpendicular Situation.

Not more than a Couple of Minutes had elapsed before Sounds were more audible and louder.

Cattle and Corn in the Fields became visible.

91. The Observer very deliberately stooping to put down his Card and Pencil; with his left Hand grasping the Hoop of the Car, and with his Right holding a Sand-Bag, to throw over as he approached the Earth; found that the Balloon was influenced by an under Current blowing from the Sea: and marked his Progress by the half Mile white Flag; whose Stretcher having acquired a Position89 parallel to the Plane of the Horizon, placed the Flag in an excellent Point of View: the Balloon towing it apparently with a slow Motion, over the distant Tops of the dark-green Trees.

Section 92. NO sooner had the Balloon descended within the Influence of the Sea Breeze, than it became instantly condensed by a certain chilliness which then began to prevail.

93. This Height has since been considered as the Level of fleecy Vapour, Scud, or lowest Stratum of Clouds, in bright and warm Weather.⁠[28]

No visible Clouds were presented near the Spectator. On the contrary, they seemed to shrink back to the Distance of a Mile round the Eye; and then 90immediately appear above it, the Balloon continuing to descend. Nor did any circular Horizon of the Earth shew itself; till the Balloon had reached below this Level: viz. Barom. 26​1⁄2, Thermom. 55. i. e. Temperate.

Prospects were most extensive and beautiful at this Altitude: which the Barometer estimates at full half a Mile.⁠[29]

Looking again at the Barometer, scarce a Minute afterwards; it had risen to 27.

94. The Condensation by Chill and Moisture, and quick Contraction of its Dimensions acted like a Charm on the Balloon.

In a Moment; as if dropped from the Clouds, the Sea suddenly presented itself.⁠[30] It seemed near, and of a red Colour. Circular Landscapes of the distant Countries filled the Eye.

91

Almost the whole Extent of the Channel was a perfect Calm: and rather dazled the Sight. But from the Peninsula of Hale to that of Runcorn, and upwards, a partial Breeze from the North-West ruffled the Surface (which was there of a dark and menacing Complexion;) and seemed in its Course to have reached and influenced the Balloon: whose Descent proving more rapid than was expected; the Sand-Bag tyed up, weighing 12 Pounds, was opened, and the Sand dispersed.

95. The Aironaut continuing as before to stand upright in the Car, and having resumed his Card and Pencil; Thermometer again at 55°, on finding the Descent not sufficiently retarded, wrote swiftly, “no more remarks, mind the ship:” meaning the Balloon: and briskly stooping for the second Bag of Sand, weighing likewise 12 Pounds, dispersed it by Handfulls in the same Manner.

92

96. The circular Mouth of the Balloon continuing wide open, at about 18 Inches Diameter; so much cool and moist Air rushed in during the Descent; that, tho’ its Momentum or acquired Motion was retarded by Dispersion of the Ballast, it had not yet recovered an actual levity: being too near the Ground before the second Bag was discharged.

Presuming however that 24 Pounds Weight of Ballast thrown out, was sufficient to break the Fall, tho’ in a cool moist condensing Atmosphere of pure defloguisticated Air; the Event of landing was waited for.

It has been since imagined that a heavy depressing torrent of cool Air took Place from the North-West at a certain Height over the Water, and assisted the Descent of the Balloon.

97. In order to judge with what Rapidity the Balloon descended, when so low as to be within the Influence of the under Current, while93 the cool moist Air rushed in at the Bottom, and most probably pressed out the Gass; the following Intelligence has been communicated by a Person of Veracity.

As two credible Farmers were working, with their Servants, in the harvest; on hearing a hollow, rushing Sound in the Air, which they took to be a Whirl-wind, or distant Thunder, and which seemed every Moment to encrease and approach them; they all retreated under a large Oak. While there, they first perceived the swift Descent of the Balloon. Two, who were afraid of Thunder, then began to take Courage, boldly exclaiming they shoud never fear Thunder again, since the Falling of a Balloon coud be attended with so terrible a Noise.

Section 98. THE Car, gliding over Trees in the farther Hedge-Row of a Grass Field, glanced on the Ground.

The Aironaut, being prepared for the Event, supported a Part of the Weight of his Body by his Hands, grasping the upper Hoop.

The Balloon stooping, and declining from the North-West Breeze, drew the upper Hoop out of the Perpendicular: by which Means, the Bottom of that Division of the Barometer-Frame which contained the Tube, pressed against the Bottom of the Car on the Ground, was separated from the remaining Half of the Frame, and fell on the Grass.

The Balloon, then rising with an elastic Bound, elevated the Car a few95 Yards, and descended to the Ground, but more gently than before: rose again; and the Aironaut perceiving that the progressive Motion of the Breeze was bringing the Balloon near a third Hedge; took up his Knife, (which lay by him ready open for Use) and cut away the remaining Half of the Barometer-Frame; threw out the Basket with the Bottles,More Ballast parted with, viz. seven Pounds. and Tunning Dish; the Speaking Trumpet; the Woollen Gloves, the remaining half Mile of Twine on the Reel.⁠[31]

The Car cleared the Hedge, and slightly for an Instant touched Ground, the third Time.

99. During these Operations; the Aironaut had observed different Persons96 in Motion towards him, who proved to be several Farmers and Labourers who had run themselves out of Breath to overtake the Balloon.

One asked the Aironaut, whether he intended to alight; and was answered, “Not for any Time.”

100. The Car alighted each Time so smoothly, that neither the Watch nor Thermometer that lay near each other on the green Bays at the Bottom, were displaced. Nor was the Glass Tube containing the Quicksilver, separated from the Division of the Frame in which it was originally fixed: but the whole was brought back, a few Days after, in a perfect State: 97except a small Hole, made in Consequence of the inverted Situation of the Mercury in Vacuo, which fell against the Top of the exhausted Tube.

The Car first landed at 28 Minutes past III, in a Field belonging to a Farm called Bellair, in the Township of Kingsley, near two Miles East by South from the Town of Frodsham, and twelve from Chester.

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Section 101. BELLAIR-Meadow: half past III o’Clock:⁠[32] Thermom. at 55: bright Sun: few Clouds in Sight.

The Balloon being now 31 Pound lighter; taking a Direction from the Sea-Breeze into the Country, and again towards Aston-Hall⁠[33]; mounted100 up like a Sky-Rocket, with accelerating Velocity: its upper Parts nodding from Side to Side, as if to shake off the resisting Column of Air immediately above it.

102. There being no proper Opportunity of closing the Mouth of the Balloon on its near Approach to the Sea, or during the Swiftness of its Descent; tho’ there had been frequent Inclination to attempt it; this little but essential Work was instantly resolved upon. And the more so, as the Mouth had continued open from the first: and as Mr. Lunardi did not happen to mention this Circumstance: the Utility of which, tho’ too late to be put in Practice, had, but a few Minutes before, very plainly suggested itself. His Directions were, to open the Valve in order to descend: which woud possibly have encreased the Rapidity of Descent: and, by introducing a thorou’ Air upwards, while the Motion of the Balloon was in a contrary Direcion,101 might have occasioned a dangerous Rupture of the lower Parts of the Balloon, which actually took Place in a preceding Excursion.

103. The Balloon, tho’ rising quick, seemed not to be wholly disengaged from the Ground, but to have received a Check; and to lean a little out of the Perpendicular: particularly the Car, which was evidently drawn a different Way from the Balloon.

On perceiving that the half Mile white Flag, fastened to the upper Hoop of the Car, sensibly impeded the Elevation of the Machine, by trailing along the Ground, (the Balloon being yet within the Influence of the Sea-Breeze, or lower Current of Air;) the Question was, whether it woud not be imprudent to suffer the Balloon to rise near half a Mile, before the white Flag; was disentangled and free to follow it.

For as neither the Twine, nor the lower Cords of the Balloon were of Silk; the Twine having lain on the102 Trees or moist Ground, might become a conductor from the Earth to any Stratum of Air that had less or more than what is called its natural Quantity⁠[35] of the electric Fluid.

Adding to the above, a Wish to rise higher the second Time than the first; stooping for the Scissars, the String was cut: reserving a Remainder to tye the Neck of the Balloon; which was immediately done by gathering the Parts of the Balloon into the Hand, wrapping a Couple of Yards loosely round, and tying them on a slip or bow Knot: one End of which was purposely left hanging three Feet downwards, to untye instantly on Occasion.

This additional Levity of nearly one Pound, gave the whole Quantity of Ballast thrown over in a few Minutes, nearly 32 Pounds.

104. The intelligent Farmer who stood near the Balloon, when it alighted at Bellair, had observed it for some Time before near the Sea, and marked 103its Return, as coming apparently from Overton.

At first, which was more than five Minutes before it came to the Ground, it seemed to him as if it coud not have been larger than a Bladder.

He saw it reascend, first sideways, then upright; moving from the Sea.

Afterward it rose rapidly, and rather towards the Sea and Warrington, distant twelve Miles.

He watched it for a Quarter of an Hour: and caught it by Intervals, near and above a Cloud in the blue Sky, at so great a Height that it looked like a Lark: and at last: so small that the People who stood near him coud none of them regain a Sight, when they had once lost it.

105. The remaining white Flag was unfolded, and tyed to one of the Balloon-Cords attached to the upper Hoop, at a proper Distance to play freely in the Wind: and, notwithstanding all that has been said to the104 contrary, shewed instantaneously and plainly the corresponding Changes made by the Wind in different Directions.

And, as the Breeze was accompanied with a Sensation of Coolness against the Face of the Aironaut, looking towards that Quarter from whence the Wind came, as indicated by the Flag; (which Quarter was not in a Line with the Path of the Balloon;) the Flag must have shewn that the Change was made by the Air in its peculiar progressive Direction, and not by its Resistance or Progress in the Track of the Balloon.

106. It is probable that the Momentum of the Balloon, acquired by its centrifugal or accelerating Force upwards, might have kept it in one Direction, while it continued to rise throu’ different Currents.

Section 107. THE Balloon being now wholly unconfined, continued to rise with great Rapidity: crossed the Meadow in the Sea-Breeze, and remained as before, for 6 or 8 Minutes,—by Intervals gently turning on its Axis—almost wholly vertical over Aston-Hall, but rather more to the Eastward of it.

The Country still exhibited bright gay and extensive Prospects.

108. Three Sail of Vessels appeared in the Channel: and four more were sailing down the River Wever, apparently just under the Balloon, diminishing to mere Cockle-Shells, or like Boats which have no Rigging.

Shouts continued.

Corn and Cattle were visible in the Fields and Meadows.

106

Aston, tho’ a large and elegant Mansion, appeared like a House which Children build with Cards.

109. A Chilliness in the Air was again perceived in rising, as he imagined, to the same Height at which he felt it in descending, indicated by the Thermometer at 55°. (Sect. 92.)

He then found himself inclined to taste the Brandy and Water, ready mixed by his Order, and to eat a Biscuit: but on putting the Liquor to his Lips; thought it too strong, so drank none, nor eat any Thing.

110. The three Sail, and the Channel disappeared.

The River put on a deep red Colour, like the Dee. Its Meanders seemed to encrease; as its Width diminished to a broad Line. Its Water was lost to the Sight.

Corn and Cattle were no longer distinguishable.

The House at Aston was yet a beautiful tho’ minute Object: the Balloon107 moving several Times round it; as if loth to quit that and the River.

The Cascade was become a white Line: and the fine Bridge below, a yellow Straw crossing the broad red Streak.

Of the four Vessels in the Wever, not an Atom visible.

The Shouting entirely ceased.

111. The blue scattered Houses, wide public Road called Sutton-Causeway over Frodsham Marsh, the Meadows Fields and Woods, the lofty Hills, Helsbye Crag and Halton-Tower, were reduced to one common Level; and diminished to the Size and Semblance of a coloured Map, but it was the superb and finished Colouring of Nature.

112. Ceasing to look down on the smooth Lawns below, which were now of the richest and fullest Patterns, seen as throu’ the small or inverted End of a common Perspective-Glass, and spun, as it were, to a fine Thread; Pleasure108 and Delight, tho’ of another Kind, fill’d the Imagination of the Beholder: who, raising his Eyes on a Level with himself, so as to look straight before him; found that the Balloon had already, and almost beyond his own Belief, soared to so amazing a Height in the Atmosphere, as to raise him far above the Rim of the immense Bowl or Crater; and that it was still stealing with Rapidity upwards.

113. During the Contemplation of this magnificent Prospect, a perfect Calm took Place, and soothing Silence reigned.

And thus; for a while detached, far detached from Earth, and all terrestrial Thoughts; wrapt in the mild Azure of the etherial Regions; suspended in the Center of a vast and almost endless Concave; come, as a mere Visitor, from another Planet; surrounded with the stupendous Works of Nature, yet above them;—the glorious Sun except, which enlivened all, and shone109 with pure celestial Lustre;—a peaceful Serenity of Mind succeeded; an enviable EUROIA.⁠[36] An Idea of which it is not in the Power of Language to convey, or to describe.

Section 114. REspiration at so great an Altitude was perfectly free and easy: forced Trials being made for Information on that Point: a Sensation of Levity seemed rather to be communicated by the Air to the Lungs: but this might be the Effect of the Imagination. It was however a curious Circumstance to find the Breath not visible; the Thermometer rising again to 60. Nor did the Pulse seem to be quicker than usual, in this elevated tho’ inactive Situation.

110

115. The Perspective of a vast Series of Thunder-Clouds of a sulphúreous and metallic Tinge, placing themselves in Ranks, each beyond the other, in bright and tremendous Order, and a Sort of Battle-Array, beyond Conception grand yet beautiful; coud not pass under him without Notice. The immense circular and visible Distance of the nebulous Horizon, extended now 102 Miles at the least round the Eye, as already mentioned (Sect. 52); was a grand Source of the Sublime.Fairy Landscapes striking. Nor did the contracted View of the Landscape below fail, in Turn, to regain an Attention to its indiscriminate yet pleasing Scenery.

116. On a sudden he was called back to himself.

Several of the Bladders, which were tyed round the Car, in Case the Balloon shoud alight on the Sea, and were dry on the Outside, began at the same Instant to crackle; being greatly distended by the Air within.111 When pressed with the Hands and Fingers, they felt extremely hard, and ready to burst.

On looking upwards at the Balloon, it appeared greatly inflated: the external Pressure of the surrounding Air being much lessened, in so elevated and rarified a State of the Atmosphere.

117. The Balloon pressed in an unusual Manner throu’ the Meshes of the Net, quite round.

118. The Shape was much altered by this Distention of the Sides: and its perpendicular Diameter shorter than before.

119. The Neck or Mouth, which was tyed, had actually risen upwards, and was then near eight Feet above the Bottom of the Car.

120. It was not known till afterwards, that Mr. Lunardi on his second aërial Voyage from Liverpool, had been obliged to cut off the lower Part of the Neck, weighing upwards of two Pounds and a half, in order to lighten112 his Descent near Tarporley in Cheshire; and that he had not Silk sufficient to repair the Loss.

Section 121. IN vain did the Aironaut strive to reach the Neck of the Balloon, from the Car. Attempting to put his Feet on the opposite Sides of the lower Hoop, by grasping the upper with his Hands; he coud not in that Situation raise himself so high as before; nor let go his Hold with either Hand.

He then stepped down into the Car. The Agitation of which, brought within the Reach of his Hand, the loose End of the Twine (purposely tyed on a Bow or Slip Knot) that had stuck to one of the Side-Cords, and held the Center of the Neck rather out of the Perpendicular.

Section 122. BEing cautious how he suffered the lightest Gass to escape throu’ the Top of the Balloon, which must have happened in drawing down the String of the Valve; yet apprehending the Possibility of an immediate Rupture at its present greatest Elevation;—glancing his Eyes around to take a farewel View;—he pulled the Twine, that tyed the Neck.

123. Instant Relief was given to the Balloon: which shrunk into the Shape which it had assumed in the former Ascent, when the Gass began to issue in visible Vapour, the Neck likewise lowering itself to the Height of his Shoulders, as in Section 35.

124. On stooping he found the Time 41 Minutes after III, and the Thermometer 57.

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Nor was he surprised that no visible Vapour escaped; as he had imagined that much common Air had been pressed into the Mouth of the Balloon: and which, being heavier than Gass, woud go out first.

On that Ground he was confirmed in his Resolution not to open the Valve at the top, which always emits the lightest Gass.

125. As soon however as the Neck of the Balloon reached his Shoulder, he gathered the Silk in his Hand, and held it Air-tight tho’ untyed, to prevent Evaporation of much real Gass: presuming that if any Levity remained; the Balloon woud presently rise again, and swell.

And he was pleased to find the Event answer his Expectations.

Section 126. IT was a Matter both of Surprize and Pleasure to observe that the Thermometer had risen again to 60, when the Balloon had soared above the Sea-Breeze; as the Aironaut had expected to feel the extreme Rigour of Winter; and had made Preparations against intense Cold.

Nor did he find any Difficulty in Respiration during the Excursion; which may possibly be accounted for from the Warmth of the Air.

That the Breath⁠[37] was not visible at any one Time, and particularly while 116the Balloon was elevated above the under Current, might it not be owing to the uncommon dryness of the Air, which woud dissipate the Vapour at the Instant of Exposure?

127. It was remarked, some little Time before, and during the last Glance of the Prospect taken at the highest Elevation, that the House at Aston was still visible, and the dark coloured Line forming its diminutive Shadow seemed thicker in Proportion to the Plan, than when the Mansion was first seen before the Re-ascent. And it had a sensible Effect in apparently raising it above the common Level.

128. The Circuit of the Land-Abyss below was also greatly contracted: and a Haziness inclining to a dark Green seemed to cover the outward Verge round the Lawn.

The red River Wever only appeared.

The Channel and broad Branch of117 the River Mersey towards Warrington, had long since vanished.

The Lawn itself, which composed the Ground-View, was full of innumerable Enclosures almost close to each other; with much Wood:—dwindling to the Down View like the Pattern of a Turkey-Carpet.Pattern of an elegant Turkey-Carpet: which, according to Principles of Mahommedan Faith, tho’ wrought in gay and vivid Colours, is made to exhibit no exact⁠[38] Resemblance to the Works either of Art or Nature.

129. The Colours, of which the Ground Work was principally formed (except white; also the roughened Sea, which alone was black; and Shadows, which constantly gave a transparent violet) were four simple and primary ones, viz. red, yellow, green, and blue: all which seemed118 to glow, tho’ in a less Degree, like the Colours of the Prism.

This unmixed Coloration of Objects, to be seen from a vertical Situation only, to be seen without Refraction, is a new singular and pleasing Phenomenon.

130. A View, taken above the Level of the Clouds, may, from this Circumstance, without Impropriety, be called a chromatic view or the Earth: of which, the Print is an Example: delineating the Extent of the aërial Excursion; and placed at the End of the second Part, including the Re-ascent.

Section 131. THE Balloon pursued its former gentle Course in the upper Current of Air moving from the South West, and119 Aston House: and had risen above the Influence of the Waters and Sea-Breeze.

132. In Consequence of having held tight the Neck of the Balloon, the Gass within began again to expand, and the Machine became more bloated than when stationary at the first Ascent: the Bottom of the Balloon being drawn up to the Height of his Hand, when the Arm was stretched, and himself on Tip-toe.

133. Tho’ the late Descent, at the last Opening of the Balloon, had been rapid; which was known chiefly by the Want of Reaction from the Bottom of the Car against the Soles of the Feet; yet being still far above all Clouds; fearless of the Currents, Rocks, and Shoals, to which all maritime Navigation is subject; he took the Opportunity of trying the upper Valve; purposely to know the Effect. So retaining the Bottom of the Balloon120 in his right Hand, he drew the Valve Cord with his left.

Immediately he heard it click: which proved that it was quite open, and in good Order.

134. He tried the Valve three Times smartly, and deliberately.

The Escape of the inflammable Air or Gass was like the growling Sound made in a Mill by the Grinding of the Mill-stones, but by no Means so loud.

Section 135. THE successive Operations of untying the Neck, and repeated Trials of the Valve, brought the Observer so low, that he coud trace the Image of the Balloon on the upper Surface of light silvery Clouds beneath him.

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136. Iris, a bright celestial Nymph, his former Attendant, deck’d in gay Attire as usual for the Bow, made her third Appearance: instantly encircling the Balloon. Nor was her Iris remained.Stay so short as before; as if to recompense the Aironaut for the lost The Earth disappeared.Sight of Earth and all terrestrial Objects, which then began to disappear.

137. In less than a Minute after the Deflation; the Neck of the Balloon continuing to be held tight in the Hand; the Balloon quickly encreased in Bulk, and soared aloft, as before.

138. It continued rising as long as the Hand coud reach to hold the Neck tight: and, on loosing it an Instant, made a rapid Descent: on Account of the Gass which escaped, and of the atmospheric Air which rushed in by the same Opening at the Bottom.

139. The alternate Play of fast and loose, was frequently and successfully repeated: the Balloon always rising till it swelled out of the Reach122 of the Hand: at which Time it was let go: and the Neck (as well as the Balloon) descending; was presently caught in the Hand, and made Air-tight as before.

140. These Manouvres were performed, at a Height far above the Level of all Clouds, and in Sight of Numbers of People: some of whom were at least 15 Miles distance: yet coud plainly, from an Eminence called Hoole-Mill Field, a Couple of Miles from Chester, discover the Balloon at an amazing Height, darting up and down several Times; or as they expressed themselves, “quivering and warping in the Air.”

Section 141. THE alternate Elevation and Descent of the Balloon gave sufficient Leisure to reflect on the security and pleasure123 of his Situation, thus wafted on the Pinions, and merging in the Ocean of Air.

Indeed the whole Excursion was a Continued Scene of Pleasure.

The Eye and the Imagination were beyond Measure delighted.

142. If there had been any Thing to wish for, it was the living Pencil of Angelica,⁠[39] or some other celebrated Painter: in order to gratify the World with the bright Miniatures and Colouring of so much variegated Beauty.

143. As it woud be difficult, if not impossible, by mere Description, to convey an adequate Idea of the different Sensations experienced while in the Car; (for Pleasure is itself unspeakable;) yet the Fancy may possibly, without Censure, be a Moment indulged, in its Allusions to such familiar Subjects as approach nearest to them: so as not to leave the public Mind wholly in the Dark, with Respect to the above Points of natural and general Curiosity.

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144. Most young People, whenever they have Opportunity, amuse themselves on the slack rope, or Swing: the Pleasure encreases in Proportion to the Loftiness of Ascent they are able to acquire.

145. In the East, where the Heat of the Climate forbids robust Exercises; the Swing is considered as a princely Diversion: and of which the Mogul himself condescends to partake. He is swung by Slaves: and thus enjoys the pure Air without Fatigue.

146. The Ascent of the Balloon is not unlike what is felt, in the ascending half of the Swing: and the Descent is attended with that agreeable Sensation known to those who sink throu’ the descending half.

147. A Diversion similar to the above is peculiar to the North of Europe, practised by the Russians, particularly the Inhabitants of Zarsko Zelo; and accompanied with a Sensation so delightful125, that they seek itArtificial Declivity of waved Ice. in the open Air, amidst the utmost Severity of the Frost. It is a Sort of Boat or Car, in which they glide, for a considerable Distance, down an artificial Declivity of waved and polished Ice: being drawn up by Servants; they launch precipitately forwards, and down again as before.

148. Sledges drawn swiftly over the undulated Surface of a snowy Country, a favourite Diversion in many Parts of Germany, in Lapland, and Siberia: Skaiting on level Ice; the Motion of a Vessel on smooth Water; of a fleet Horse; also of Wheel-Carriages rolling over even Gravel, or a grassy Plain, are each a Luxury of the same Kind; and grateful to the Nerves.

149. There is yet another Amusement, which is said to be of German Extraction, still frequent in the North of England, called the vertical Flying-Coach.⁠[40]

126

Two Persons are required to turn the Machine (when full): which moves like the four Sails of a Windmill: a Seat being placed at the End of each Sail.

150. The Pleasure communicated to the Nerves during the Descent, is to some Constitutions so exquisite, as to be full as much as the human Frame can support: others are affected by it in a gentler Manner.

These different Diversions, flowing from the same Principle in common with the Balloon, viz. that of being carried with a gentle Motion, are one or other suited to all Ranks and Ages.

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151. The Pleasure of the double Slack Ropes, when seated in the Car appended between them, is perhaps in itself superior to that of most others.

152. The vertical Flying-Coach⁠[41] compleats the Circle, of which the Slack Rope describes but the lower Half.

153. The Sensations communicated by the Motion of the Balloon, come nearest those of the vertical flying Coach, tho’ more gentle, and if possible, more pleasing.

At Sea, the most experienced Mariner is sometimes sick or giddy.

154. Nothing of the Kind happens in the Balloon: where an infinite Variety charms the Imagination.

155. The Spirits are raised by the Purity of the Air⁠[43], and rest in a chearful Composure.

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156. Even when stationary above the Clouds, the Height conveys with it no Danger of falling: any more than when in a Vessel at Sea, (as off the West-India Islands, for Example) the Fish are seen gliding over the clear white rocky Bottom, at the Depth of twenty Fathom: as the Aironaut seems perfectly unconnected with the Earth, and unconcerned about it.

157. Nor does the Depth below the Clouds give an Idea of Distance. On the contrary, the smooth chequered Lawns which form the Surface of the Earth, are presented to the Eye, as on a Level with the Clouds themselves: at least come up to their undersides, and appear so much a Part of them; that the Clouds occupy the Place of Earth: and the Aironaut seems able to descend from the Car upon the Clouds, and to walk from Side to Side over the empty Space, as over a Sheet of transparent Ice, across a River, whose Depth is equal to the small but indefinite Thickness of the Clouds.

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158. It is from frequent experience only that the Diminution of Objects presuppose their Distance.

Section 159. IT was remarkable that, the lower Parts of the Balloon regularly adopted a similar Form at each Descent: not unlike a Ship’s Bottom; looking up, at the Head or Prow, while on the Stocks: the Neck of the Balloon forming a beautiful central Pillar; in Shape like that of a Speaking Trumpet inverted.

And hence may be derived a Piece of useful Information: as the precise Time of descending is discovered by bare Inspection of the Machine.

160. Another Conclusion seems likewise deducible from the above, that if130 the Balloon is so burdened, as to descend while it retains the Form of an elliptic solid;⁠[44] it will descend more rapidly, than if it contained less Gass: the Force of Descent in both Cases being supposed the same.

For if the Diminution of Gass be so great as not to fill the upper Hemisphere of the Balloon; the Resistance of the atmospheric Air below woud probably give it the Appearance of a Concave or Umbrella, which woud greatly check the Descent: viz. in Proportion to the Square of the Number of Feet of which the Surface was composed.

161. Hence also the evident Utility of an equatorial hoop for Balloons: in Preference to a Parashute, which woud be only an Incumbrance.

Section 162.AT 40 Minutes past III, when the Balloon was apparently some Miles above the Level and Summit of the Clouds; a sudden and uncommon Sound was heard for three or four Seconds only.

A Sort of hollow Wind seemed issuing from a Plain of Clouds in the North-East Quarter, greatly below the Balloon: which as suddenly ceased.

The Instant the Sound was heard; a gentle Motion was impressed on the Balloon, as if by a Hand touching it near the Top.

163. Clouds to the North-East appeared, for the first Time, in rapid Motion towards the Balloon.

They sailed directly under it: filled up the Chasm, and drew a white Veil over all terrestrial Objects.

164. It has been since imagined, that132 a fresh Wind descended from the South-West QuarterConjecture in the Cause of the Motion. in the upper Current, and was heard in the North-East, being ecchoed from the upper Tier of Clouds below: and that the Balloon, finding less Resistance than the range of Clouds, soon overtook and passed them: particularly as the lower Part of the white Flag vibrated only in the usual Direction.

165. The encreased progressive Motion of the Balloon was not perceived (Section 18): being considered as at Rest, and the apparent Motion referred to the Clouds.

Section 166. IN a few Minutes, a Side-Break throu’ the Clouds discovered a long ill-formed narrow Line or Ditch, something less than a Foot in Breadth, extending133 several Ways: and which from its Proximity to Places that were known, and coming into View; viz. the Country about Norton and Halton-Castle;A narrow Ditch the Duke of Bridgewater’s Canal. proved to be the Duke of Bridgewater’s Canal.

Suddenly came in Sight the spacious open of the Mersey above Runcorn Gap: which appeared of a A Glympse of Runcorn Gap.ruddy Colour, and very near: as if the Balloon had again felt the Influence of the River.

167. A new System, that of Balloon-Geography here suggested itself: in which the Essentials of Proportion and Bearings woud be far more accurate, than by the present Method, both for Maps and Charts, viz. To make Drawings by sight, from the Car of a Balloon with a Camera Obscura, aided by a Micrometer applied to the under Side of the transparent Glass.

The Season proper for such an aironautic Expedition, would be any134 calm bright Day:Air presumed to be warm with South-West Wind long continued. the Wind having blown from the South West Quarter, for some Days before, which is frequently the Case: the Air, at such Conjuncture probably remaining warm, to the Height of a Mile or more, unless in the very Midst of Winter.

168. And particularly for Charts, which in a maritime Country are most useful:Balloon Geography for Charts. as Balloons have an extraordinary Predilection to become stationary over Channels and Rivers; altho’ a very strong Gale of Wind, shoud continue the whole Time to blow in an horizontal Course directly under the Balloon.

Of which Event the Writer of this Account was an Eye-Witness,Balloon in a Calm with a strong Wind below. in the Case of Mr. Lunardi: who was detained above 20 Minutes over the broad Bend of the River Mersey, near Ince, in Cheshire, the Day he landed between Tarporley and Beeston-Castle, ascending from the New Fort at Liverpool.135 He quitted his Station by the Escape of Gass, and descended into the Stream of Wind, which continued as violent as before.

Section 169. THE Summer Scenes of Fairy-Land below, being soon eclipsed by the quick Intervention of a Range of Clouds; the sudden Contrast of which was highly pleasing to the Imagination; a Prospect of mid winter instantaneously succeeded.

170. The Earth’s Surface throu’ an immeasurable Crater of Vapour accumulated round the Aironaut, who was suspended, and seemed fixed in the Center above it, no longer existed. And, if it will not be allowed, that a new Earth, and a new sky appeared;136 at least, let the Imagery and Resemblance of what was really seen, be taken from that earth, which in Fact did not appear.

A world of Clouds, greater than the one below, became, for the first Time the sole Object that engrossed the Sight. (See Section 144.)

171. The Balloon was apparently raised some Miles above the Surface of a concave shallow Plate, or Shell, or rather an immense Plain, which was in general smooth and well defined: but the dense tonìtruous Masses, rising here and there above the Rest, greatly resembled steep and rugged mountains seen in Perspective, at different Distances from 5 and 10 to at least a hundred Miles.⁠[45]

137

An unvaried deep cerùlean and pellucid Azure, without a Cloud above, enclosed the novel earth: whose Surface, whether Valley, Plain, or mountain in Appearance; seemed as if covered to a prodigious Depth, by successive Falls of Snow, driven and polished by the Winds and Frost, and dazzling to the Sight: the Sun still shining above all, with white, unremitting and invigorating Rays.⁠[47]

Section 172.A Thunder Cloud in most grotesque Form;—of superior Magnitude, Density,139 and brightness—a celestial Colouring;140 Aironaut lost in the blue Fields of Air, by the Intervention of Clouds below him: which prevented all farther Knowledge of his Situation, and also a Sight of the Earth itself.and whose Shade was itself a Colour of semi-transparent and transcendent141 Blue and Violet-Purple;—remaining142 for several Minutes, exactly under the Balloon, tempted the Aironaut to descend into it; and, if possible, investigate its Structure and Composition.

Blanchard, he knew, had passed throu’ many without Danger: any Fears that might otherwise have been entertained on that Head were therefore groundless: particularly as Gass, i. e. inflammable Air and the electric Fluid (supposing an electric Atmosphere had surrounded the Thunder Cloud) mutually repel each other. He however declined the Trial: among other Reasons which then offered; that the temporary and apparent143 Rest of both Balloon and Clouds portended his Situation to be over the Center of some Water: so that if Gass had been let out in order to descend; enough might not have remained to make Choice of a proper Place to land.

173. Some Minutes after; on the Retreat of the Clouds, or progressive Motion of the Balloon; he found himself suspended over the most enchanting Meanders of a Rivulet.

Where he coud not tell.

Section 174. HE thought himself again over the Wever.

At 47 Minutes after III, the Prospect beneath opened, just wide enough to shew, that he was suspended in the open Space over the Center of some Rivulet.

The Map of the Country which had been so carefully studied, was now consulted for the first Time, but coud not bring to his Recollection any Traces of the extraordinary Curves which then met his Eye.

They bore not the least Resemblance to any Part of the River Mersey.

No River like that below him had ever presented itself.

Its Doublings were so various and fantastic as to exceed the Limits of Credibility.

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175. He was still stationary, at an immense Height, without the least Inclination to descend: having some Time before taken the Precaution to tye again the Neck of the Balloon, as soon as he had perceived it did not inflate, as at first, to any dangerous Degree.

No Towns, no Houses appeared. No public Roads were discoverable. No Voices were heard.⁠[48]

146

The Country beyond the Rivulet began to disclose itself: but was quite 147new to him at that Altitude, and seemed as if almost covered with Wood.

176. His Watch shewed the Time of the Day, and the Sun alone sufficiently indicated the Point of the Compass.

The white Flag manifested no Change in the Wind.

But whether he was near Liverpool, Wigan, or Manchester, he coud not discover.

177. He was entirely lost in the blue Fields of Air; far above the Summits of the Clouds; tho’ the Balloon was in Sight of the Earth, and of Numbers who were gazing at it.

178. The Colour of the new Rivulet was full as red, as any he had seen before.

He thought it might be an insignificant148 Brook, which tho’ curiously curved, was too small to be inserted in the Map.

Still he continued over it: turning and returning gently in small Curves.

179. He presently passed Northward of the Rivulet over a woody Country, in which he coud discover no Variety of Colouring either in the Ground Work or Enclosures; the whole having a dark green Cast.

An Appearance of a very distant and remote Plain then presented itself; the Size of a moderate Carpet: of a ruddy Colour; and surrounded by a green Border. Being an unusual Object it continued to engage his Attention.

180. Not far from the first, another of the same Kind, of a more dusky Cast, but less and somewhat nearer, that is more under him, then attracted his Notice.

He wished to decipher them, but in vain.

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181. The Sun shone bright on both: and in a very few Minutes, the circular Prospects encreased: which was now become a regular and undeniable Signal that the Balloon had begun to descend. (Section 17.)

The latter Plain appeared, at the first, about the Size of a common Handkerchief.

The Balloon continued to descend.

182. In a Couple of Minutes, the Plain appeared intersected closely every Way, like the Coat of a ripening Melon. Descending a little lower; it seemed covered with a Net, the Meshes of which were distinct. And lower still; it extended itself greatly on all Sides: (at which Time a certain Degree of Chilliness prevailed:) and was then again mistaken, and looked upon as a dry Heath, deeply overrun with Shrubs of the same Name.

183. The Descent of the Balloon being rather quicker than was expected, or desired; it was deemed expedient150 to have Recourse to the last Bag of Sand, which lay open, and weighed 20 Pounds.

It was accordingly thrown out, a Handful at a Time.

But that Method not seeming sufficient to check the Descent, when at the Height of 150 or 200 Yards; all the Sand was poured out, and the Bag thrown down.

This had the desired Effect: and the Balloon continuing to descend with a Motion uniformly retarded, alighted, as the down of a Thistle, in the gentlest Manner, without any Rebound.

184. There being scarcely a Breath of Air abroad, the Aironaut made no Use of his Anchor and Cable: but continued as from the first, standing upright in the Car; which, having moved a Yard or two only along the Ground, rested in a perpendicular Situation.

The Balloon, suspended over him151 like a vast Umbrella, levitated vertically in the grandest Manner.

185. He was alone when he alighted: but, in a few Minutes, found himself surrounded by the Country-People, who had waded above Ancle-deep, and came running from all Parts, to see the wonder, and contribute their Assistance.

186. He landed exactly, at 7 Minutes before IV: Thermometer 59: but where he coud not tell.

The first Question was “Pray where am I?” And the Answer;—in Lancashire.

On asking the nearest Distance to a Turnpike-Road; the People said he was within two Fields of one, and offered to conduct him thither.

He accepted their Offer, and shared his Liquor among them.

Section 187. THE Balloon alighted near the Middle of a moss; called rixton-moss, a Place he had never before heard of.

It was a large Tract of unenclosed wet Land, above four Miles long and above two broad, intersected by Ditches or Water Courses, which divide the Moss into Fields of a moderate Size. The whole is surrounded by tall Forest Trees.

This was the lesser of the two dusky Plains, which appeared about the Size of a Handkerchief, and which he wished to decipher, but in vain.

188. Rixton-Moss is situated five Miles North North East of Warrington, and a little to the left of the Turnpike Road leading from thence to Manchester, and 25 from Chester.

189. He has since been informed that the other Plain, about the Size153 of a moderate Carpet,Chat-Moss in Lancashire. was no less a Place than chat moss, a vast Tract of barren wet Land, many Miles in Extent.

190. Curiosity tempted him to make particular Enquiry concerning the Rivulet over which he hung, admiring the Beauty of its serpentine Meanders; and, from a Description given of his Manouvres over Lymm, situated to the East of Warrington, and from a peculiar Curve, appearing in the Form of a true Lover’s Knot, when over the Gunpowder Water-Mills, he was convinced the Rivulet coud have been no other than the broad Branch of the River Mersey.

191. The aërial excursion was performed in two Hours, and a Quarter, within two Minutes.

The Distance of the Balloon-Course, if traced along the Ground, 30 Miles. Section 130.

192. In comparing the Dates at Bellair and Rixton-Moss; it is certain154 that the Balloon,Balloon, unknown to the Aironaut, going at the Rate of 30 Miles an Hour. excluding the Force of Ascent, must have moved forwards, during some Part of the Re-ascent, at least at the Rate of 30 Miles an Hour: tho’ the Aironaut, for the most Part, imagined he was gliding throu’ a serene Atmosphere.

Probably the progressive Motion was encreased, from the Time the unusual Sound was heard, in Section 162.

Note: The Print, representing a chromatic View above the Level of the Clouds, of the Country from Chester to Rixton-Moss, is to front the left Page, at the End of this Chapter.

Section 193. THE Sequel contains an Account of several Flights made, in Presence of the Aironaut, by different Persons, during three Hours, in the Car of the Balloon, viz. from the Time he alighted, till after sunset.

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The Afternoon being fine, the Sun bright, and the Air calm; finding the Country People remarkably civilized and kind; and having dispatched a Messenger on Foot to return in a Post Chaise from Warrington; the Aironaut was resolved to gratify the Curiosity of his numerous Followers, and give the young People a Taste for Balloons, by treating them successively with an Airing.

194. Indeed it was no inconvenient Method of removing and conducting the Machine: and possibly different Positions of the Balloon might furnish a useful Hint.

Having asked aloud who chose to ride, several answered in the Affirmative. So having pitched upon a young Fellow156 of less Weight than himself; bid him get up, between the Cords, over the Hoop, into the Car; stand near the Middle, and hold an opposite Cord in each Hand.

He obeyed with the greatest Alacrity: and seemed to be a noisy bold Adventurer.

195. The Aironaut then got out; and having suffered the Balloon to rise; fastened the End of the Cable to central Meshes of the Net, at the Bottom of the Car: ordering the strongest and tallest Man to hold the Cable, and let it go by Degrees till the Anchor or grappling Iron alone remained in his Hand.

The Balloon now rising above the Height of the Trees, and giving the Adventurer a new and extensive Prospect of the Country; he became silent; pale; his Countenance the Picture of Distress; looking down as if for Help.

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The Conductor repeatedly bid him take Courage. But, in vain.

By lowering the Car within the Height of the Trees, he seemed to recover from his Dismay.

Section 196. THE Route of the Balloon being now throu’ a flat woody Country, with tall Trees growing in the Hedge Rows; a Difficulty occurred, how to conduct the Cable, when the Balloon was above or between the Trees, without entangling: which gave the Conductor much Trouble, as he was frequently obliged to walk round a Field, the Balloon being held in the Center, before he coud espy a proper Opening.

The Procession marched slowly forward: and the young Man was158 carried among his Peers in Triumph through the Air, across the Turnpike-Road, into the Middle of an open Grass Field, where he descended; took a Companion less heavy, and left the Car.

This Stripling was a good Deal surprised the Instant he rose above the Trees; but ventured to look around: and appeared on the whole much delighted.

197. A great Concourse of People were now collected.

Accidental Carriages halted: joined the Cavalcade, and partook of the Diversion: the greater Part following the Balloon throu’ the open Fields adjoining the Road.

The Conductor generally preferring the beaten Track; yet suspecting the Balloon with its Adventurer in the Car, might designedly be suffered to escape, took the Precaution to have the Grapple held by nearest Relations to the Person in the Car.

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198. The Gass evaporating; a smart young Fellow, who seemed ready for the Jaunt, stepped in: on which the former resigned his Place. But he was no sooner raised a few Yards above his Companions, than the florid Colour forsook his Cheeks; he trembled; bent himself double with Fright; and the Balloon was obliged to be hauled down.

199. A fond Mother then requested that her Child, a fine blooming Girl, might ascend: boasting of her Courage, and comparing it with that of the Person who had none.

The Venus smiled, and mounted her Car with great Spirit.

200. Some Ladies and Gentlemen of the Neighbourhood who had watched the Balloon, while it hung at an immense Height over Lymm, and the Gunpowder Works on the River Mersey, came, in their Evening Walk, to meet it: joined the Procession; gave the Aironaut polite Invitations160 to their Houses, and shewed him every possible Civility.

201. The Resistance made by the Surface of the Balloon, against the least Breath of Air moving horizontally, was frequently tried by occasionally holding the Grapple: and it was a decided Point, that the least Motion of the Air was sufficient, together with the Action of Levitation, to prevent the Person, who held the Grapple when the Cable was extended, from transporting the Balloon against the Current: nay it was with Difficulty he coud remain in the same Place: the Balloon sometimes pulling him forwards, and almost off his Feet.

202. When the Air was perfectly calm, which frequently happened while the Balloon migrated with different Passengers, as the Evening was the finest in the World, and the Country flat and woody in the Hedge-Rows; it was with Difficulty that the Conductor coud draw the Balloon161 after him, faster than the Rate of a moderate Walk: viz. three Miles an Hour.

Section 203. THE Sun set at 34 Minutes past VI. and, tho’ it was then near that Time, the Post-Chaise was not arrived.

204. On Enquiry for a dry smooth Meadow, he was recommended to proceed a little farther, to a Place on the Road within three Miles of Warrington.

205. Having by this Time gratified the Curiosity of the Country in admitting Boys and Girls to the Age of six or seven Years, into the Car; and being arrived after Sun-set at the Place appointed, viz. Milton’s Croft-Green; he ordered the Balloon to be laid on162 its Side along the Ground: having removed the Car, and opened the Mouth; the inflammable Air or Gass, was soon pressed out by Means of a long Pole rolled across it by two Men, standing one at each End of the Pole: beginning at the Top or upper Valve, which was held down close to the Ground; and ending at the Mouth or Neck.

It was then rolled up, put into the Car; and the whole Apparatus placed on the Top of the Chaise which arrived the Moment wanted.

206. The Operation was completed at 53 Minutes past VI: the Conductor having accompanied the Balloon on Foot exactly three Hours.

207. The Balloon had therefore continued floating in the Air, with different Persons, in the whole, for the Space of five Hours and a Quarter.

The Conductor, promising to accept163 the very polite Invitation offered him by Mr. Stanton, a Gentleman who is principally concerned in the Gunpowder-Works upon the Mersey; called at his House, and partook of some Refreshments.

He then drove to Warrington, where he was met by a Person whom Curiosity had inspired to follow the Balloon on Foot from Chester, as long as he coud keep it in View.

208. Mr. Lunardi likewise with great Civility dispatched his Servant to assist the Aironaut in the Care of the Balloon; but he did not arrive in Time; not reaching Warrington till VIII. at Night: having lost Sight of the Balloon about Daresbury, four Miles from Warrington.

209. Nor was it visible to any, at least very few, of the Inhabitants of that Town, which was equally hidden from the Aironaut: who, then ignorant of his Situation, must have164 remained a considerable Time suspended above the Clouds; which concealed both the Town and River.

He saw Warrington but twice when above: for a short Time, at a great Distance, and a mediate Altitude.

210. The following Day he returned to Chester: was met by the Militia-Music, and ushered with loud Huzzaes into his native City.

On his safe Arrival; besides the private and sincere Congratulations of his Relations and Friends; the Bells rang: his Flags were carried in Procession, and every public Demonstration of Joy was shewn on the Occasion.

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Section 211. FOR more than ten Days before the Balloon-Voyage, the Wind had blown (interruptedly on Account of the Sea-Breeze) from South and South by West.

Monday the 5th of September:

A Conjunction of the Planet Mercury and the Moon, at one in the Afternoon.

Tuesday the 6th:

A violent Hurricane in the South of England, at London, Portsmouth, &c.

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The same Day at Chester North-North-West, and distant from London 182 Miles; South-Breeze; Rain most of the Day. Thermometer at Noon in the Shade, 62: and 14 Divisions colder each Night, than the following Day, at an Average of five Years. Barometer, below Much Rain, viz. at 28 Inches 9⁄10ths.

Wednesday the 7th:

Violent Squalls from South and South-West, with hazy Air, till half past IV in the Afternoon. Thermom. 58; Barom. Changeable, viz. 29​1⁄2.

Thursday the 8th, which was the Day of the Excursion:

Much bright Sun. (On Enquiry) calm below till half past III in the Afternoon, then West Sea-Breeze: South-West Breeze above till half past IV. Calm bright Evening.

Also the upper Stratum of Clouds thin and white, in quick Motion, when seen from below till Noon: at which Time the Sky was almost cloudless: and, from above the upper Stratum, were seen, interspersed, Multitudes of detached Thunder-Clouds in large Masses, rising at Intervals, in the Middle of the upper Surfaces of white Clouds, and stretching above them.

Friday and Saturday moderate: South and South-West Breeze.

Sunday the 11th. The Planet Mercury stationary.

Cloudy Morn. South-West Breeze. Thermom. at 60 at Noon. Barom. above, Changeable, viz. at 29​1⁄2. Much thunder and Rain in the Afternoon.

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212. Quere, Had the Thunder-Clouds on Thursday, tho’ not remarked by any from below, yet visible to a great Extent from the Balloon above them,—any Connexion with the Thunder that happened three Days after?

Answer: It appears to the Observer, that the Thunder was gradually collecting in the Air from Thursday till Sunday: and if so; will not Balloons, when more frequent, prognosticate the Weather, by Sight, better than any other known Methods?

Section 213. THE highest visible white Clouds, often seen in detached Streaks, during the finest and also in the worst Weather, (if not intercepted by lower Clouds) and which, when melting away, are known in some Counties by the common Appellation of Horse-Tails; and, suspended over Great-Britain, are frequently marbled or dappled by the Wind; putting on the Appearance of white Waves, like Sea-Sands ruffled and left by a rapid Tide;—had been disturbed, separated, and almost melted down by the Storm the Day preceding the Excursion.

Two of them only were still visible in Streaks, near the Sun’s Place, at the first Ascent. They168 seemed without Motion, and became afterwards invisible.

Saussure, the celebrated Professor of Philosophy at Geneva, is very exact in his Definition, Description, and Height of these Appearances: and thinks it probable, their Situation may be “at least fifteen English Miles above the Surface of the Earth.”

“Car quand je considere ces fines Pommelures, &c.” “For when I consider these delicate Dapplings, which, in a Series of fair Weather, begin to cover the azure Vault of Heaven with a white and transparent Gauze, and which portend Rain a long Time before it happens; I am led to believe they occupy a very elevated Situation in the Atmosphere” (Essais sur l’Hygrometrie, P. 271.)

It seems however that Crosbie, in his Excursion from Dublin on the 25th of January 1785, pierced throu’ and soared above these fine Webs, at the Height of 16 Inches by the Barometer in a frosty Air.

214. It has been already noted, that at a certain Height, a Kind of chilliness was perceived, not ascertainable by the Thermometer.

The Sensation was suddenly impressed four Times, in ascending and descending to and from the same Height, viz. about 26 and 27 Inches, equivalent to between 500 and 1000 Yards above the Surface of the Earth at the first Ascent.

From the Uniformity of Effect at the same Height; the Sensation may be ascribed to the same Cause, viz. the Level of the first or lower Tier of Clouds: altho’ the Aironaut did not169 pass throu’ any visible Cloud or Vapour, during the Excursion. See Section 93.

215. At the same Height likewise, tho’ the Observations have not been set down at large; the Appearances of the Earth and Clouds were very remarkable.

During the Ascent of the Balloon, between the Altitudes of 26 and 27 Inches; the circular Prospects of the subjàcent Earth instantly contracted, and, during the Descent, about the same Height, instantly enlarged themselves to the Eye of the Aironaut.

216. At the same Height mentioned before, the circular Prospects of the Clouds appeared on the same horizontal Plane with the Eye: tho’ at the Distance of a Mile. See Section 49.

In this Situation, the Observer endeavoured to discover the Thickness of the Stratum of Clouds: but was always baffled by a Deception of Sight worth recording.

The Strata were plainly composed of three or more Heights of Clouds, sailing at great Intervals, one above the other: all which regularly vanished, as he approached their respective Levels: as if instantly thrown into the Circumference of a Circle, whose Radius was a Mile.

During the Ascent, in passing their supposed Level, the Clouds instantly appeared far below him: and during the Descent, as far above.

217. Quere: Is it not from the same Cause, that all Vapour is generally invisible to a certain Height and Distance from the Eye?

It being incontrovertible that more Vapours rise about noon, than at any other Hour, particularly170 at Sea, while the Sun continues to shine; which, notwithstanding, are wholly invisible, till arrived at a certain Height?

And hence the Visibility of Vapours by mere Distance, which contains a sufficient Number of Particles to intercept and refract the Light, without Cold, Condensation, or actual Accumulation: viz. by Refrangibility of those primary Rays of Light, which Air and Vapour united are most apt to reflect or transmit.

Mons. Saussure has proved by his Horse-Hair comparàble Hygrometer, that “the Air shews Signs of greatest Humidity an Hour after Sunrise, and of least Humidity, between three and four in the Afternoon.” But the Air being then also the hottest, will dissolve or evaporate the greatest Quantity of Vapours, and raise them above the Hygrometer (which by its Heat will not retain, but on the contrary repel and dissipate them) to great Heights in the Atmosphere.

See “Essais sur l’Hygrometrie, C. 6, P. 315.”

218. In general then:

Is not the Cause of the above Deceptions, not an Absence, but a Transparency of Vapour to a certain Distance: (just as the Zenith appears cloudless, when the Air is overcast around;) beyond which Distance, the Number and relative Proximity of Particles with Respect to the Eye, is such, as to intercept the Rays of Light: when only, they put on the Colour of Air, and Form of Vapour and Cloud?

And hence the probable Reason, why no circular Horizon of the Earth’s Surface was presented during the Excursion, Section 79: and171 why it seldom has or can present itself to Aironauts or Mountaineers, at any considerable Height above the Region or Level of Clouds, even tho’ Clouds do not appear in the Air, either to themselves, or to Spectators below.

This Point seems capable of Illustration by Analogy, from the Impossibility of encreasing the Magnitude, and at the same Time, Distinctness of distant Objects, seen throu’ a common Telescope; on Account of the Quantity of Vapours between them and the Eye Which vapours may be magnified till the Object appears confused and obscure; and even at last become substituted in the Place of the Object, under the Form of Opacity and Cloudiness.

219. The greater the Height of the Balloon, the more contracted was the Circle of Vapour below it; and the more limited the Prospect of the Earth’s Surface below the Vapour.

220. It seemed probable that the Sun shone as bright on the Countries around the Observer, as on Objects immediately below him: which Objects coud not have been illuminated by the Sun’s Rays, darting throu’ the apparent and contracted opening under him; as the Rays which shone on the Balloon, fell beyond the Opening, obliquely on Clouds which caught the Shadow of the Balloon.

221. The extreme Rarity or Tenuity of the Vapours was evident from the progressive Course of the Balloon, which was always in the Center of a circular Opening, limiting the lower Prospects; except when the Spectator lost all Sight172 of the Earth, by dense, watry, intervening Clouds.

This august central Situation, always changing yet still the same, had the most striking Effect on the Senses and Imagination. Yet, however pleasing the Recollection of this glorious appearance; however strongly impressed, accurately described, or richly painted; it must fall infinitely short of the original sensation. Unity and Sameness were there contrasted with perpetual Variety: Beauty of Colouring; Minuteness, and consummate Arrangement;—with Magnificence and Splendor: actual Immensity;—with apparent Limitation:—all which were distinctly conveyed to the Mind, at the same Instant, throu’ the Intervention of the Organs of Sight: and, to complete the Scene, was added the Charm of novelty.

Section 222.QUERE: As Red is the heaviest and Blue the lightest Colour; and as red Rays blended at a certain Angle with blue Rays, produce Opacity: further; as red173 is the predominant Colour reflected from Water, while in the Form of dense Cloud, for Instance at the Rising and Setting of the Sun; and blue the Colour always reflected from the light Medium of Air or Sky; Does not this Mixture of least and most refrangible Rays, which, when aided with the intermediate primary ones, causes a Transparency near and round the Eye of a Spectator placed either on Earth or among the Clouds; produce, at a greater Distance and different Angle, such a Degree of Opacity, as actually to give the Idea of Clouds surrounding him at a Distance?

The latter Part at least is true, that Vapour and Air, which are naturally qualified to transmit red and blue, rather than any other Light, will, at a certain Angle, when blended, produce an opacity. (See the Letter sent by Newton from Cambridge to Dr. Derham, in order to be presented to the Royal Society,—in “Miscellanea Curiosa, Vol. 1, Page 109.”)

Quere: May not the Rivers below act as a Prism; as Clouds, about Sun-set or Sun-rise, do to a Spectator on Earth, and reflect only the primary Colour red, the heaviest and least refrangible Ray?

It being also considered that Refraction cannot change the primary Colour: nor are Rays, in the Direction from below to the Zenith, refracted; tho’ seen from a rarer into a denser Medium.

Possibly, a Pencil of Rays, in coming up from the River below may be stripped or drained by the double Absorption of the Atmosphere and River, and the Colour red only, suffered to174 reach the Eye: “being the last to quit its Basis the Water.” (See Morgan’s Observations on the Light of Bodies, &c. &c. Phil. Trans. for the Year 1785, Part 1, Vol. 75, Chap. 91.)

Section 223. THE Earth’s Surface was presented to the Eye throu’ a circular Opening as already described.

This Opening discovered a Plain, smooth and level as a Die: a Sort of shining Carpet, enriched with an endless Variety of Figures depicted without Shadow, as on a Map: what was really Shadow forming a separate Colour, and not considered at the Time, as Shadow. The Objects were distinctly marked, and perfectly known to be Miniatures of the Face of Nature.

All was Colouring: no Outline: yet each Appearance curiously defined by a striking Contrast of simple Colours, which served to distinguish the respective Boundaries with most exact Precision, and inconceivable Elegance.

Red Rivers, yellow Roads, Enclosures yellow and light green, Woods and Hedges dark green, were the only Objects clearly distinguishable,175 and their Colouring extremely vivid. The Sun’s Rays reflected from the Surface of the Sea, and other Waters, dazzled the Sight.

All living Creatures were invisible.

224. The Area of each Inclosure, computed to contain a certain Number of Acres, was seen from above under the Form of a Miniature Picture of a certain Magnitude or visible Extension, perpetually diminishing, as the Eye recedes to a greater Distance.

And the Case is similar, whether the Miniature be seen from above, or along the Ground.

The Miniature also lessens as the Distance encreases, according to a certain Proportion so exactly;⁠[49] That,

1. If the Distance and Magnitude of a tangible Object be known by Mensuration; a Judgment is formed, and Laws laid down, for its corresponding Miniature on the Eye.

2. If the Miniature be seen, and Distance known by Mensuration; the Mind forms a Judgment of its tangible Magnitude.

3. And lastly, if the Miniature be seen, and Magnitude of a tangible Object is known by Mensuration; the Mind makes an Effort, to the Estimation of its Distance from the Eye.

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These are some, among many Modes of Comparison, by which the Mind acquires a tolerable Degree of Proficiency, in estimating Distances of familiar Objects, known from the Appearance of their respective Miniatures on the Fund or Bottom of the Eye.

And so far most Theories agree.

But such ocular Test is only true, while the Comparison is made in nearly the same Medium.

For an Object, if seen at the same Distance along the Ground, will appear less as it rises above it; and least in the Zenith; as the Sun and Moon, at Setting or Rising, appear large and oval; but at their greatest Elevation, are small and round: because being seen, when passed out of a Medium impregnated with Vapours, which in some Measure intercept the Rays of Light: for the fainter⁠[50] a distant Object appears, the greater it is apprehended to be.⁠[51]

Possibly indeed an Object at the same Distance, if brighter at one Time than another, will contract the Pupil in Proportion to its Brightness: which may have the same Effect, as if the Object had made a smaller Miniature on the Retina; and will regularly strike the Mind with an Idea of Magnitude, only equal to its corresponding Contraction; i. e. less, when the Object is bright, and greater when faint.

225. If a like Reasoning be applied to the Ascent of Balloons; and it be said that they do not rise 177so high as is imagined, because their Magnitude is diminished, merely from being elevated into a Portion of the Atmosphere least impregnated with Vapours; it will follow, that to a Spectator in the Balloon; known Objects on the Surface of the Earth below,—being seen from a rarer into a denser Medium, also into one which contains a great Quantity of Vapours;—shoud appear larger, than when seen along the Ground, at a Distance equal to its Height in the Balloon: all which is contrary to Matter of Fact: particularly if the Barometer gives a proper Estimate of the Height, of which there is little Doubt: a proper Allowance being made, in certain Cases, on Account of the Refraction: for, as before mentioned, (Section 44) Objects seen from the Balloon at a Mile and Half barometric Height, continued, with invariable Uniformity, to suggest the Idea of at least seven Miles.

226. By a general Comparison of Enclosures, and of separate Buildings when they coud be distinguished from the Balloon above the Region of Cloud, with the most distant Extremities, (on the horizontal Level) of Fields or Houses situated along the Sides of Hills or Mountains, at a known Distance by Miles, making Allowance for their being seen in a straight Line;—the latter seemed at least five Times larger than the former: supposing them at equal Distances.

To give an Instance. Supposing the most distant Extremities of a known Building or Enclosure, situated on the Side of a Hill or Mountain, presented a Miniature of a familiar Magnitude to the Eye of the Spectator on the Ground,178 at the known Distance of a Mile and Half; the same Object when seen from the Balloon at the same barometric Height, appeared full five Times less.

This Comparison was made by Memory, the Morning after the Excursion, tho’ suggested while in the Balloon, from the wonderful Minuteness of all Objects then presented to the Eye.

The Author being likewise familiarized to judge of Heights; having been on several of the chief Mountains in Europe: also, of comparative Distances, from his Situation near a large City, in a populous, enclosed Country; on a high Plain, within View of the Sea, Mountains, Hills, Enclosures, Buildings, and Objects whose Magnitude and Distances were known.

227. The Balloon itself, a Globe twenty-five Feet in Diameter, was seen in the Air on the Day of Ascent, at the Distance of 19 Miles.

228. The Reason already given, for the Solution of the famous Question concerning the apparent Magnitude of the horizontal Moon, seems no less applicable to Objects on the Earth’s Surface, when seen from the Balloon: which Diminution of Objects below confirms the Defect of Dr. Smith’s Hypothesis.

For, as they appeared extremely bright; being shone on by the Sun, and seen throu’ the Air in a perpendicular Line, containing the least possible Quantity of Vapour; the Brightness must have exceeded that of the same Objects, when seen along the Ground: and consequently the Miniatures of the former must have been less than the latter, and also their respective Distances seem greater.

1.COnjectures concerning the regular Tendency of the Balloon to descend on its Approach towards water.

2. Its greatest Descent, when in the Zenith, over the Middle of Rivers.

3. Recovery and Re-ascent to the former Level, as it recedes from them.

Section 229. Article 1. On the first Ascent in the Castle-Yard, Chester, the Balloon gently moved towards the River Dee, and the Sea.

And woud probably have gone out to Sea, if the ascensive Power had not presently raised it above the Influence of the Water; into an upper Current of Air, which was visible at that Time, and for two Hours before the Ascent, by the Motion of superior Clouds in a safe Direction towards the Land.

229. 2. The Balloon was affected in passing across the River Goway, and Trafford Meadows, which are a Mile wide: first moving Westward, and again towards the Sea; making several Curves: then resting and lingering between Great and Little Barrow: as the Aironaut was well informed by Persons of Veracity, who observed it: his Attention being engaged at that Time by other Objects.

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229. 3. A proportionable Effect was observed in crossing a small Brook near Alvanley.

229. 4. The River Wever and its broad Meadows above Frodsham-Bridge actually stopped the farther Progress of the Balloon: tho’ its Course was merely across the River.

The Deviation was gently tho’ invariably towards the sea: and, if not timely prevented, the Balloon must have fallen in the Middle of the Channel.

229. 5. The same Case woud have happened on the Re-ascent at Bellair; if the levitating Force had not as at first, overcome the Influence of the waters, and lifted the Balloon into the same upper Current, which continued to move in its former safe Direction.

229. 6. Different Branches of the Duke of Bridgewater’s Canal near Preston-Brook might possibly affect it in a small Degree: and, tho’ Clouds a little afterwards, secluded the Aironaut from a Sight of the Earth; yet the Balloon was known to hang, for some Time, over the Mersey near Warrington.

229. 7. The Balloon descended and alighted on the Middle of a large Tract of wet Moss Ground.

The Writer saw Sadler’s Balloon rise at Manchester, the 11th May, 1785, and descend near Blencow-Bridge, at the Conflux of two Rivers.

The above Facts give sufficient Indications of the constant Tendency which Balloons have, to descend on Water.

Section 230. THREE Causes seem generally to concur in producing the Effect of Descent, over Water.

1. The Water itself.

2. The Air above it.

3. Change of Temperature,

Section 231. Article 1. So long as Gass escapes from the Balloon; it will be instantly and reciprocally attracted, throu’ the Crevices, by the Moisture contained in the Air, particularly over Rivers: its specific Gravity within the Balloon, woud be encreased,⁠[52] and consequently the Balloon itself rendered less buoyant:

The Gass woud, on the contrary, be repelled by electric Air: which woud lessen its Tendency to escape, throu’ the Pores of the Silk.

But it is presumed that Air-tight Balloons will be little affected by external Moisture.

231. 2. Moist Air over Water being generally cooler than over the adjacent Land, will, so long as the Gass continues at its former Temperature, assist and raise the Balloon thus moving into a denser Stratum: but no sooner is the Balloon contracted by the external Cold, than it descends into a Medium of Air, whose specific Gravity is proportionable to the contracted Bulk of the Balloon, and rests when equal to it.

231. 3. Water is also a Conductor of Electricity, tho’ a feeble one: and there is moreover a 182strong chemical Affinity between water, inflammable Air, Gasses, Floguiston, and Electricity.⁠[53]

231. 4. Water will therefore conduct the Gass to itself: i. e. will draw the Balloon downwards, and with accelerating Velocity; as the Attraction is stronger, the nearer the Water.

231. 5. But if the Air over the Water be warmer than that over Land; then the Balloon, moving into a warmer Medium, as over the Sea in frosty Weather, most undoubtedly descends: till the included Gass has received the additional Encrease of Temperature from that of the Air, at which Time it will have a Tendency to re-ascend, and will rest suspended in Equilibrio, as in the former Case.

The above Causes however may be considered, as trivial.

The first may be avoided by making the Balloon Air-tight: and the second easily guarded against by throwing out a little Ballast.

The only formidable one, if any, is

the depression of the atmosphere.

This it will be necessary to consider with some Degree of Attention.

Section 232. WHOEVER consults Antiquity,⁠[54] or is acquainted with modern Mèteorism, will ascent to the Truth of the Facts there recited, viz. That the Storms of dispersion called Prester-John, and Ox-Eye over Table Bay at the Cape of Good-Hope (not to mention those of collection, as Whirlwinds⁠[55] and Waterspouts;) descend on Sea and Land from the middle Regions of the Air, often perpendicularly downwards: and then blow violently from a Center, to all Parts of the Compass at once: a necessary Consequence of their beating forcibly upon the Land or Water.

The Ancients maintained that the Origin, of Wind was a mere Depression and Percussion from the Cold of the middle Region: and it shoud be remarked that their Observations were made on the Continent, and in warm Climates.

Now what is seen to Excess in the hottest and 184coldest Climates;⁠[56] most probably takes Place, in a less Degree, in temperate ones.

Therefore, on a Change of Weather, the upper Atmosphere descends: whether its Effects are Cold, as in Winter; Warmth, as in Spring; Wind or Wet; at the proper Seasons of the Year.

233. The Balloon, with which Dicker Junior ascended at Bristol, April 19, 1784, on a windy Day, proved the Truth of the Conjecture: for tho’ the Aironaut threw out most of his Ballast; yet after each Ascent and Recovery, he was repeatedly darted downwards even with the Ground.⁠[57]

234. A similar Event happened to Crosbie, in his Passage over the Sea from Dublin to England; for, tho’ he too discharged his Ballast, the Wind kept him down and even with the Water.

The Weather at that Time seems to have been an Εκνέφιας, Procella, Percussion, Squall, or Tornado, i. e. a Storm of depression, and dispersion.