12. Article 1. A portable Barometer,[2] with a common Syphon or
Bulb, (purchased at Lausanne.)
12. 2. Martin’s Thermometer,[3] with Farenheit’s Scale[4] for the
Degrees of Temperature.
12. 3. Mariner’s Compass in a double Box, to be used when the
Sun is intercepted from the View by Clouds, in order to discover
whether the Balloon turns round.
12. 4. Down, or small Feathers, to be loose in the Pocket, and
thrown out, when enshrined in Clouds; or at any other Time, to shew
the Rise or Fall of the Balloon.
12. 5. An Asses’ Skin Patent Pocket-book; as Wet spoils Paper.
12. 6. Two _red_ Lead Pencils: each Pencil ready pointed at both
Ends, to save Time and Trouble: preferable to Ink, which may be
spilt or frozen.
The Strokes with _red_ Lead are not so easily obliterated, as when
made with a _black_ Lead Pencil.
12. 7. A small sharp Knife pointed, and ready open, or which will
open easily. A Pair of Scissars.
12. 8. A _wicker_ Bottle of Brandy and Water, only three Parts
full, half and half: such Bottles are more secure: and such Mixture
will not soon freeze. The cochuc or elastic Bottle is still better.
A Cork-screw.
12. 9. _Compact_ Provisions, which do not soil the Fingers or
Pocket-book, as Confectionaries, Fruit, Biscuit, Bread.
12. 10. A _boarded_ Map of the Country over which the Aironaut may
be supposed to pass: the Back serving as a Table.
12. 11. Two Needles with large Eyes: the _raw_ Silk put through,
and tyed on a Knot at the Ends to prevent the Needles from being
lost: to be ready at the Instant wanted, to sew up any Holes within
Reach, in the Balloon; the Holes being first tyed up with Twine.
The Needles to be stuck into Parchment, containing a small Hank of
_raw_ Silk: the Needle Silk run round the Parchment, to keep the
Hank dry.
The whole Hank to be tyed by one End to the Side of the Car; when
above all Clouds, to shew, by the Divergency of the Threads, the
Electricity of the Air.
12. 12. A few Yards of Dutch Twine, loose in the Pocket, to tye the
Neck of the Balloon in descending.
12. 13. For easy Experiments; 1st, Dutch Twine, half a Mile long,
on a Reel, or Pulley, or two Lengths on different Reels: also
to each Reel a Flag, made of white Linen, a Yard square; and
stretched by a slender Lath; one Side of the Flag being bound and
stitched round it: also a Piece of Twine, two Yards long, is to be
fastened by its Ends to the Ends of the Lath: a Loop is to be made
in the Middle of the Twine: and to the Loop is to be applied round
the Middle of the Lath another Piece of Twine, which will prevent
the Lath from being bent; and will keep the Flag always stretched.
By this Apparatus, Observers from below may be enabled to estimate
the Height of the Balloon, as will be shewn in its proper Place.
12. 14. 2dly, To try the Density of the Air, at different Heights,
_above_ the freezing Point with Water; _below_ it, with Brandy.
In a Basket take two Pint-bottles, one full of Water, the other
of Brandy; and six or eight empty ones: also a small Metal
Tunning-dish.
Let one End of a String be tyed round the Neck of each Bottle: and
the other End sealed to the Top of a large Cork much tapered, to
enter the Mouth easily. Round each Neck, tye a Parchment Label,
large enough to contain in abbreviated Characters the Number of
the Bottle; Time of Observation, Heights of the Barometer and
Thermometer, while on the Ground.
When an Experiment is made in the Air; pour off a full Bottle into
an empty one: put the Cork into the emptied Bottle, and mark again
the Time, Barometer and Thermometer: which are to be compared
with an Eudiometer below, to discover the Rarity and Purity of the
Atmosphere.
12. 15. A third white Linen Flag, made as above, and tyed to the
upper Hoop of the Balloon, so as to hang in Sight, will give Notice
of a Change in the Wind.
12. 16. A Yard of thin Ribbon, two Inches broad, tyed to the lower
Hoop, will mark the Rise and Fall Of the Balloon.
(12. 17. A Magnet and Iron Filings in a thin Pewter Dish with a
Cover; Also
The Prism and large Telescope were left, as too heavy.) And the
Sextant or Quadrant coud not be procured in Time. They woud, have
been of little Use, as no Horizon of the round Earth was seen
during the Excursion: and it is presumed, that the circular Horizon
is seldom visible, when the Balloon is at any considerable Height;
the Accumulation of Vapour between the Eye and Horizon preventing
it: tho’ such Vapour remains invisible to Spectators from below.
12. 18. Eight Bladders, each above half blown, and differently
coloured for Ornament, tyed round the _upper_ Part of the Car,
Breast high when the Aironaut stands upright: in Case the Balloon
fall into Water.
12. 19. Speaking Trumpet: also a live Pigeon, in a small Basket of
Matting.
12. 20. Pepper, Salt, Ginger; to try the Effects of Tastes, which
have been said to become insipid on the Peak of Teneriffe.
CHAPTER III.
ADDRESSED TO AIRONAUTS.
[Sidenote: New Kind of Cable and Reel recommended.]
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] 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 moveable Handles of Wood round them. The Reel
may be furnished with sudden Checks; or gradual Clamps, as in a Mil, to
retard the Velocity.
SIGNS TO BE OBSERVED, WHEN IN THE AIR.
[Sidenote: Cautions against two Extremes.]
14. The two Extremes to be avoided are, too lofty an Ascent: and too
precipitate a Fall.
[Sidenote: 1st. Too lofty an Ascent.]
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_.
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.
2dly. +To prevent too precipitate a Fall+.
[Sidenote: 2ndly. Caution against too precipitate a Fall.]
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, 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 be 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.
SIGNS WHEREBY TO JUDGE WHETHER THE BALLOON IS RISING OR FALLING.
SIGNS OF RISING.
[Sidenote: Signs of Ascent or 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.
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.
SIGNS OF DESCENT.
[Sidenote: Signs of Descent.]
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.
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_.
SIGNS OF PROGRESSIVE HORIZONTAL MOTION.
[Sidenote: Signs of progressive Motion deceitful.]
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 to 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.
[Sidenote: To descend when lost.]
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.)
[Sidenote: Signs of Wind horizontal.]
20. It is likewise necessary to know the _Signs of Wind_, or Currents
of Air.
SIGNS OF NEW AND SUDDEN HORIZONTAL CURRENTS.
When the Feathers, Balloon-Flag, or Ribbon, compared with Sun or
Compass, take a new and sudden horizontal Direction.
21. +of currents from above+: properly named _Waves Torrents and
Tide of Air_.
[Sidenote: Signs of depressing 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.
CHAPTER IV.
PREPARATIONS FOR ASCENT.
[Sidenote: Preparations for Ascent.]
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, made 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.
[Sidenote: The Public reminded of the Necessity of preserving order
during the Inflation of Balloons.]
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.”
[Sidenote: Lead Weights placed at first in the Car, to prevent any
Fatigue in holding the Lines, and the Necessity of weighing, unless at
the Time of Ascent, to determine the Power of Levity.]
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 Purpose 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.
Additional { Ballast 12
{ Levity 10
———
22
Added to the 234
———
Make the Sum 256lb.
All which added to the Weight of the Balloon, _by Information only_,
as follows:
Balloon varnished 113
Netting and Cords 18
Car and Hoops 24
Mended and added Parts 5
Grapple and Cable 4
———
164
With the 256
Make the total Levity of
the Gass to produce an
Equilibrium, equal to 420lb.
The Weight of a Quantity of Air equal in Bulk to the Balloon, being
secluded; and the Gass substituted in its Room.
[Sidenote: Weight of Articles.]
26. The Calculation of the Weight of Articles was, as follows:
Pounds
Articles. Averd. Ounces.
1. Eight coloured Bladders[8]
(Section 13, Art. 18) 1 – 0
2. Preparations against extreme
Cold.
+A Winter Dress.+
Flannel or woollen Socks }
Cap }
Gloves }
Drawers } 0 – 14
Under Stockings }
———— Waistcoat }
3. Brandy, Water, Flask, and
Refreshments 1 – 8
4. Barometer (portable) 0 – 12½
5. Thermometer 0 – 3
6. Dial-Compass (a Mariner’s
Compass in a double Box,
will traverse better) 0 – 3½
7. Two white Flags, 0 – 4
with Dutch Twine on two
Reels furnished with Swivels 2 – 8
8. Asses Skin Pocket Book,
Blank Cards, Pencils,
Knife and Scissars 0 – 4½
9. Map of Cheshire boarded,
the superfluous Parts cut
away 0 – 3
10. Speaking Trumpet 0 – 8½
11. Mr. Lunardi’s Flag 3 – 8
12. Basket and eight Pint Bottles
labelled, one full of
Brandy, another of Water 8 – 3
———————
20 – 0
[Sidenote: Weight of Ballast.]
27. The Ballast consisted of three Bags of dry Sand, and two red grit
Stones, taken while in the Car, _additional_.
1st Bag tyed up weighed 12lb.
2d Ditto 12
3d untyed Ditto 20
1st red Grit 7
2d red Grit 5
——
In all 56lb.
CHAPTER V.
ASCENT WITH 20lb. OF LEVITY.
[Sidenote: Ascent at 40M. past I, with 20lb. of levity.]
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.
[Sidenote: Employments of the Aironaut.]
29. The Balloon well inflated, tower’d aloft in an upright and
perpendicular 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_.
[Sidenote: Sensation of rising described.]
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.
[Sidenote: Caution against the vitriolic Acid Liquor.]
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, 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.
[Sidenote: Attitude, and farther Employments.]
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 the 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.
[Sidenote: Change of Attitude, and Observation of the reddish Vapour.]
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,
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, and in Part refracted; and therefore
coud not reach the Sight?
[Sidenote: The Gass not offensive.]
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.
[Sidenote: Attention to the Balloon, and Dimensions of the Car and
Hoops.]
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.
[Sidenote: Stationary, and Notes made.]
36. He was aware that the Swelling of the Balloon, and copious Vapour
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 29⁸⁄₁₀, 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 23¼, and
a little after at 23½. Having looked again at his Watch, he put down
“57 Minutes past I. became stationary: Barometer 23¼: Therm: still 65,
sometimes lying in the Shade, and sometimes exposed to the Sun: the
Balloon turning round frequently thro’ East to South.”
[Sidenote: Fluctuation of Barometer.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Compass traversed, but was useless.]
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]
[Sidenote: Aironaut first looked down at Leisure.]
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.
[Sidenote: Scenes below described.]
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 Change 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.
[Sidenote: Let down the white Flag, 2 Furlongs, equal to half the
Length of the Twine on one Reel.]
[Sidenote: Its Uses.]
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; 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.
[Sidenote: The Reel defective.]
41. The circular Motion of the Balloon was communicated to the Loop
in the Middle of one Side of the Lath 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]
[Sidenote: The Employment again suspended.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Beautiful preferred to the Sublime, in Prospects.]
42. But the Beautiful among the Objects below was still more attractive
than the Sublime among those around.
[Sidenote: Inverted Firmament what.]
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 the 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.
[Sidenote: Broad Turnpike Road a narrow Foot Path.]
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.
[Sidenote: River Dee red.]
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.
[Sidenote: Cause of the Change conjectured.]
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, that 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.
[Sidenote: The City of Chester _blue_.]
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 a 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.
CHAPTER VI.
BALLOON VERGING TO THE SEA.
[Sidenote: Sympathy of the Spectators, on seeing the Aironaut verging
towards the Sea.]
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 a 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.
CHAPTER VII.
[Sidenote: Aërial Scenes continued.]
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 larger 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 brighter 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]
[Sidenote: Objects which filled the Mind of the Aironaut with Wonder
and Delight.]
48. A Chearful Serenity filled the Breast of the Aironaut.
In an erect Posture, and with the utmost 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.
[Sidenote: Novel situation illustrated by a familiar Comparison.]
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, were indistinct, either on Account
of their immense Distance, or by mere Accumulation of Vapours, and
mixed with Haze and Cloudiness.
[Sidenote: The Comparison carried on.]
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]
[Sidenote: _Apparent_ Altitude of the Balloon when stationary.]
[Sidenote: The _apparent_ Heights proportioned to the _barometric_
Height.]
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 Circuit 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]
OBJECTION REMOVED.
[Sidenote: _Improbability_ of a concave Appearance of the Clouds and
Earth, _lessened_, by a familiar Illustration.]
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 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.
CHAPTER VIII.
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 an 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.
[Sidenote: Circular Boundary of the _celestial_ Prospect from the
Balloon _above_ the clouds.]
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]
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 against the upper, which gradually swelled them out
on _all Sides_. By partial and temporary Movements of the 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.
[Sidenote: Opinion of Philosophers.]
53. The imperceptibly slow yet perpetual Changes they underwent,
strongly called to Remembrance, the Opinion 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.
[Sidenote: The Colours of the Thunder Clouds.]
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_.
[Sidenote: Delightful Tints visible only from the Balloon.]
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 is suspended
in a ratified and unencumbered Medium of the etherial Regions, where
the Eye darts without Resistance above Clouds, and all visible Vapour.
[Illustration: _A VIEW from the_ BALLOON _at its GREATEST elevation see
Page IIII.a._
Publish’d May 1ˢᵗ. 1786, by T. Baldwin Chester.]
Note: the Print, representing a circular View from the Balloon at
its greatest Elevation, is taken from a Scene described in the above
Chapter.
CHAPTER IX.
OTHER AËRIAL SCENES DESCRIBED.
[Sidenote: Balloon Shadow traced on the Clouds.]
Section 56. During the Time that the Balloon from being stationary at
23¼ (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_ over 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.
[Sidenote: The Iris, a Frame to the pictured Land, vanishes.]
57. The Clouds, in which this Phenomenon continued, were of the
superior or second Stratum in Height, as in 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]
[Sidenote: Sun hottest when the Balloon was stationary.]
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.
[Sidenote: Lunardi’s Flag thrown out, at the Height of a Mile.]
The Mouth remaining open, it continued 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.
[Sidenote: The Flag was seen to descend for 3 Minutes.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Dove turned out.]
61. The Pigeon was then taken out of the Basket of Matting: Thermometer
54; Barometer 25³⁄₁₀. It trembled 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.
CHAPTER X.
[Sidenote: 4th Cannon heard.]
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 distinctly 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.
[Sidenote: Balloon first invisible to the Inhabitants of Chester.]
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.
[Sidenote: Distance of the Balloon calculated.]
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 was 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.
[Sidenote: Chester seen as a _small_ Model.]
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 some Years ago _on a small Table_,
in many Towns of Europe.
[Sidenote: The Sight _doubly_ deceived in the Distance.]
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.
[Sidenote: Condiments tasted as usual.]
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.
[Sidenote: Silk electric.]
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.
[Sidenote: _White_ Flag wholly hung out from the Car.]
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; and took up a considerable Time.
When completed, the _white_ Flag was extended exactly half a Mile from
the Car.
[Sidenote: Cattle discovered from the Balloon.]
[Sidenote: Ballast thrown out,]
67. Perceiving that the Balloon was descending very _briskly_, by the
Appearance of Cattle in the Corner of a Field; first, _one_ of the two
solid Weights was cast down: then the _other_.
[Sidenote: Time in falling estimated.]
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.
The other must have fallen in soft Grass, or otherwise: as it was not
heard.
CHAPTER XI.
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.
[Sidenote: Balloon reascending.]
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.
[Sidenote: Apparent Size and Situation of the _white_ Flag.]
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: and 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.
[Sidenote: Effect of the _white_ Flag on the Balloon.]
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 at 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 Subject
which seems capable of farther Prosecution.
CHAPTER XII.
[Sidenote: Beautiful Effects of the _white_ Vapour on the Prospects
below.]
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 from 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 _enchanting_ 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.
CHAPTER XIII.
[Sidenote: 2d Balloon-Iris.]
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.
[Sidenote: Bottle filled with _light_ Air.]
74. One of the Pint-Bottles for light Air was prepared (as in Article
14, of Section 12;) and dropped from the Car.
The _Water_ it contained was poured 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,
shoud, notwithstanding, be left in the Car: at least till the Time of
_landing_ the Balloon.
[Sidenote: Burton and Flint seen at the _first_ rising.]
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.
[Sidenote: Balloon in a _quiescent_ Bed of Air.]
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, 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.
[Sidenote: Of _rowing_ the Balloon to any Point of the Compass.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Balloon, influenced on its Approach towards _Water_.]
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 own Axis,
near the Villages of Great and Little Barrow: and making Curves over
the Meadows, whose Breadth at those Places was about a Mile.
[Sidenote: Its Progress marked.]
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_.
[Sidenote: Hills and Vallies on a Level.]
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+. A _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.
CHAPTER XIV.
[Sidenote: 39 Minutes past II, Frodsham Town and Bridge seen.]
Section 77. At 39 Minutes after II, Thermometer 60, Barometer 23¾,
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 descried 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.
[Illustration:
R. Newton } Arm. design et pinx. Stothard delin.
T. Baldwin} Sharp sculps.
_The_ BALLOON _over HELSBYE HILL in_ CHESHIRE _see page IIII b._
Published May 1ˢᵗ. 1786, by T. Baldwin Chester.]
[Sidenote: Half Mile _white_ Flag like a Feather.]
To use their own Expression, “_it coud not have been larger than a
Bladder, if they had seen it on the Ground_.” The same Persons observed
the _white_ Flag, like a _Feather_ about 8 Yards Distance from the
Balloon.
A second Air Bottle was thrown down.
[Sidenote: Course of the Balloon traced to shew the Manner in which it
was affected by the _Water_.]
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_ by 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
Vapour 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.
[Sidenote: Circularity of Prospect below, bounded by _Vapour_.]
80. The _Sea_ tho’ known to be _near_ by the Dashing of its Waves 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 the 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.
[Sidenote: Sight of Warrington.]
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 the 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; or that it appeared throu’
the _clear_ Intervals of _actual_ Clouds _below_ him.
[Sidenote: Pleasurable Circumstance peculiar to the Balloon.]
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 _longer_ 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_;) were discriminately heard, tho’ not _discoverable_ by the
Eye. Numbers of human Voices were almost +continually+ huzzaeing:
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.
CHAPTER XV.
[Sidenote: Balloon over Aston-House, at 4 Minutes past III, and near a
Mile high.]
Section 85. At 4 Minutes past III, the Balloon remained _vertically_
over the River, and over the elegant Mansion called Aston.
[Sidenote: Wind _below_.]
86. A Wind was heard +below+ for a few Seconds: and the Air felt
a _little cool_. Thermometer 55, or Temperate: Barometer 25½,
corresponding to the Height of near a Mile.[27]
[Sidenote: The Balloon going to Sea, determined the Aironaut to
_descend_, in Hopes of finding a Sea-Breeze in _Time_.]
87. The Balloon continuing its eccentric Movements from _Side to
Side_ across the 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, blowing 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.
[Sidenote: Smoke blown to Land by a Sea-Breeze.]
+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 move more
regularly along the Course of the River, past the _Bridge_, and
proceeded to _Rock-Savage_.
[Sidenote: The Balloon still going to Sea, the Mouth was opened.]
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.
[Sidenote: Ballast in Hand ready to throw out.]
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 Position 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.
CHAPTER XVI.
BALLOON DESCENDING.
[Sidenote: Air chilly. Therm. 55; Barom. 26½.]
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.
[Sidenote: Balloon in the _under_ Current.]
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 _immediately_ 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. 26½,
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.
[Sidenote: Sudden Effect of cool moist Air on the Balloon.]
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.
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_.
[Sidenote: Ballast thrown down, 12lb. and 12lb.]
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.
[Sidenote: Descent at first rapid.]
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_.
[Sidenote: A _depressing_ Torrent of Air on the Balloon.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Balloon descended with a _rushing_ Noise.]
97. In order to judge with what Rapidity the Balloon descended, when so
+low+ as to be within the Influence of the _under_ Current, while 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.
[Sidenote: Anecdote shewing the Rapidity of Descent, at first.]
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.
CHAPTER XVII.
BALLOON STILL DESCENDING.
Section 98. The Car, gliding _over_ Trees in the _farther_ Hedge-Row of
a Grass Field, glanced on the Ground.
[Sidenote: Caution on Landing.]
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_.
[Sidenote: More Ballast parted with, viz. seven Pounds.]
The Balloon, then rising with an elastic _Bound_, elevated the Car a
few 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_, 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.
[Sidenote: Farmers offering their Assistance.]
99. During these Operations; the Aironaut had observed different
Persons 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_.”
[Sidenote: Proof of the _gentle_ Descent.]
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: except a small Hole, made in Consequence of the
inverted Situation of the _Mercury_ in Vacuo, _which_ fell against the
Top of the exhausted Tube.
[Sidenote: Balloon landed near Frodsham.]
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.
END OF THE FIRST PART.
AIROPAIDIA.
THE
SECOND PART
OF AN
AËRIAL EXCURSION
FROM CHESTER THE EIGHTH OF SEPT. 1785.
CHAPTER XVIII.
RE-ASCENT OF THE BALLOON.
Section 101. Bellair-Meadow: half past III o’Clock:[32] Thermom. at 55:
_bright_ Sun: _few_ Clouds in Sight.
[Sidenote: Balloon rapidly re-ascending.]
The Balloon being now 31 Pound lighter; taking a Direction +from+
the Sea-Breeze into the Country, and _again_ towards Aston-Hall[33];
mounted 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.
[Sidenote: The Neck tyed.]
[Sidenote: Drawing the Valve, while Mouth of the Balloon is _open_,
shewn to be _dangerous_.]
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, might
have occasioned a _dangerous Rupture_ of the lower Parts of the
Balloon, _which_ actually took Place in a preceding Excursion.
[Sidenote: The Balloon drawn _sideways_.]
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.
[Sidenote: The half Mile _white_ Flag impeding 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 the 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.
[Sidenote: Twine _cut_, lest it shoud prove a _Conductor_ of
_Electricity_.]
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.
[Sidenote: Additional Levity of one Pound.]
This additional Levity of _nearly_ one Pound, gave the whole Quantity
of Ballast thrown over in a _few_ Minutes, _nearly_ 32 Pounds.
[Sidenote: Remarks on the Balloon.]
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 its 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.
[Sidenote: _Apparent_ Size of the Balloon, when seen from _below_.]
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 the 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.
[Sidenote: _Balloon_ moving in a Direction _different_ from that of the
_Air_.]
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.
CHAPTER XIX.
BALLOON STILL RE-ASCENDING.
[Sidenote: Balloon vertical over Aston, for 8 Minutes.]
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.
Aston, tho’ a _large_ and _elegant Mansion_, appeared like a _House_
which Children _build_ with _Cards_.
[Sidenote: Chilliness felt at the same Height in re-ascending.]
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+.
[Sidenote: River _red_.]
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 Balloon
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.
[Sidenote: Rocks Woods and Meads reduced to a _coloured Plain_ of the
_mellowest_ Tints.]
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+.
[Sidenote: Balloon higher than at the _first_ Ascent.]
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_; Pleasure 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.
[Sidenote: Contemplation of the Prospect.]
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 shone 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.
CHAPTER XX.
[Sidenote: Breathed freely. Thermometer 60.]
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.
[Sidenote: Thunder-Clouds as before.]
[Sidenote: Fairy Landscapes striking.]
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. 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.
[Sidenote: Bladders _crackling_.]
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. When pressed with the Hands and Fingers, they felt extremely
hard, and _ready_ to _burst_.
[Sidenote: Balloon _bloated_.]
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.
[Sidenote: Balloon _quilted_ by internal Pressure.]
117. The Balloon _pressed_ in an unusual Manner _throu’_ the Meshes of
the Net, quite round.
[Sidenote: Balloon shorter and broader.]
118. The Shape was much altered by this Distention of the Sides: and
its _perpendicular_ Diameter _shorter_ than before.
[Sidenote: Neck 8 Feet above the Car.]
119. The Neck or _Mouth_, which was _tyed_, had actually risen
_upwards_, and was +then+ near _eight_ Feet _above_ the Bottom of the
_Car_.
[Sidenote: Neck cut off in a former Excursion.]
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 lighten his Descent near Tarporley in Cheshire; and that he
had not _Silk_ sufficient to repair the Loss.
CHAPTER XXI.
[Sidenote: An Attempt to reach the Twine by _climbing_ on the Car.]
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.
CHAPTER XXII.
BALLOON AT ITS GREATEST HEIGHT.
[Sidenote: Mouth of the Balloon opened.]
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+.
[Sidenote: Balloon _shrunk_ to its usual _Shape_.]
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.
[Sidenote: Mouth _opened_ at 41 Minutes past III.]
124. On stooping he found the Time 41 Minutes after III, and the
Thermometer 57.
[Sidenote: No _visible_ Vapour escaped.]
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_.
[Sidenote: Why the _Valve_ at the Top is not to be _opened_.]
On that Ground he was confirmed in his Resolution _not_ to open the
Valve at the top, which always emits the _lightest_ Gass.
[Sidenote: The _Neck_ being made _Air-tight_, the Balloon rose _again_.]
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.
CHAPTER XXIII.
AIR WARMER ABOVE THAN BELOW.
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.
[Sidenote: The Breath not visible during the Excursion.]
That the Breath[37] was _not_ visible at _any_ one Time, and
particularly while the 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_?
[Sidenote: Encreased Shadows seem to raise the Objects.]
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.
[Sidenote: Prospects _below_ noted.]
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 of the River Mersey towards Warrington,
had long since vanished.
[Sidenote: _Down_ View like the Pattern of a Turkey-Carpet.]
The Lawn itself, which composed the Ground-View, was full of
_innumerable_ Enclosures _almost_ +close+ to each other; with _much_
Wood:—dwindling to the 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.
[Sidenote: The Earth _glowing_ with _primary_ Colours only.]
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 seemed 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.
[Sidenote: _Cromátic_ view of the Earth, an Appearance peculiar to the
Balloon.]
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.
CHAPTER XXIV.
BALLOON ABOVE THE INFLUENCE OF WATER.
[Sidenote: Balloon above the Influence of the Waters and Sea-Breeze.]
Section 131. The Balloon pursued its former _gentle_ Course in the
_upper_ Current of Air moving from the South West, and Aston House:
and had risen _above_ the Influence of the _Waters_ and _Sea-Breeze_.
[Sidenote: Balloon repeatedly swelling.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Valve first tried.]
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 Balloon 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.
[Sidenote: The Valve answered.]
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.
CHAPTER XXV.
THIRD BALLOON-IRIS
[Sidenote: Balloon-shadow.]
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.
[Sidenote: Third Balloon-Iris.]
[Sidenote: Iris remained.]
[Sidenote: The Earth disappeared.]
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 Stay so short as
before; as if to _recompense_ the Aironaut for the lost 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.
[Sidenote: Balloon alternately rising and falling.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Play of _fast_ and _loose_ repeated.]
139. The alternate Play of +fast and loose+, was frequently and
_successfully_ repeated: the Balloon always rising till it swelled out
of the Reach 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.
[Sidenote: Manouvres seen at the Distance of 15 Miles.]
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_.”
CHAPTER XXVI.
SENSATIONS ACCOMPANYING THE BALLOON.
[Sidenote: Situation safe and pleasant.]
Section 141. The alternate Elevation and Descent of the Balloon gave
sufficient Leisure to reflect on the +security+ and +pleasure+ 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.
[Sidenote: The _Swing_ a favourite Amusement.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Mogul enjoys the Air without Fatigue, by Means of the
_Swing_.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Balloon and Swing compared.]
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.
[Sidenote: A favourite Diversion among the Russians.]
[Sidenote: Artificial Declivity of _waved_ Ice.]
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 delightful_, that
they seek it 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.
[Sidenote: Amusements of Gestation in common with the Balloon.]
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.
[Sidenote: Vertical Flying-Coach.]
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]
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.
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_.
[Sidenote: Balloon and Vertical Flying-Coach compared.]
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.
[Sidenote: No Sickness or Giddiness in the Balloon.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Spirits raised.]
155. The Spirits are raised by the _Purity_ of the Air[43], and _rest_
in a _chearful_ Composure.
[Sidenote: The Greatest Height conveys no Fear of falling.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Depth below the Clouds gives no Idea of Distance.]
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.
158. It is from _frequent_ +experience+ only that the _Diminution of
Objects_ presuppose their _Distance_.
CHAPTER XXVII
USEFUL CONCLUSIONS.
[Sidenote: Change in the _Form_ of the Balloon while descending: with
Conclusions drawn from the Change.]
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.
[Sidenote: Time of Descent discovered by the Form of the Balloon.]
And hence may be derived a Piece of _useful_ Information: as the
_precise_ Time of descending is discovered by bare _Inspection_ of the
Machine.
[Sidenote: Balloon adopting the Form of an elliptic Solid.]
160. Another Conclusion seems likewise deducible from the above, that
if 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.
[Sidenote: An equatorial Hoop prefered to a Parashute.]
161. Hence also the evident Utility of an +equatorial hoop+ for
Balloons: in Preference to a Parashute, which woud be only an
Incumbrance.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
[Sidenote: An uncommon Sound in the Air.]
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.
[Sidenote: An unusual Motion communicated to the Balloon.]
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.
[Sidenote: Conjecture in the Cause of the Motion.]
164. It has been _since_ imagined, that a fresh Wind _descended_ from
the South-West Quarter 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_.
CHAPTER XXIX.
[Sidenote: A narrow Ditch the Duke of Bridgewater’s Canal.]
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, extending several Ways: and which from its
Proximity to Places that were known, and coming into View; viz. the
Country about Norton and Halton-Castle; proved to be the Duke of
Bridgewater’s Canal.
[Sidenote: A Glympse of Runcorn Gap.]
+Suddenly+ came in Sight the _spacious_ +open+ of the Mersey above
Runcorn Gap: which appeared of a +ruddy+ Colour, and _very_ near: as if
the Balloon had again _felt_ the Influence of the _River_.
[Sidenote: _Balloon-Geography_ first suggested for _Maps_.]
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.
[Sidenote: Air presumed to be warm with South-West Wind long continued.]
The Season proper for such an aironautic Expedition, would be _any_
_calm bright_ Day: 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.
[Sidenote: Balloon Geography for _Charts_.]
168. And particularly for Charts, which in a _maritime_ Country are
_most_ useful: 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.
[Sidenote: Balloon in a Calm with a _strong_ Wind _below_.]
Of which Event the Writer of this Account was an _Eye-Witness_, 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. He quitted his Station by the Escape of Gass, and
descended into the _Stream_ of Wind, which continued as _violent_ as
before.
CHAPTER XXX.
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.
[Sidenote: The Center filled up in an Instant.]
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; 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.)
[Sidenote: View of the Clouds taken from _above them_.]
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]
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]
CHAPTER XXXI.
[Sidenote: Brilliant Colouring of _dense_ Clouds.]
[Sidenote: 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.]
Section 172. A Thunder Cloud in most grotesque Form;—of superior
Magnitude, Density, and +brightness+—a _celestial Colouring_;
and whose _Shade_ was itself a _Colour_ of semi-transparent and
transcendent _Blue_ and _Violet-Purple_;—remaining 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
apparent 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.
CHAPTER XXXII.
[Sidenote: The Aironaut was lost, tho’ in Sight of a Country well known
_when below_.]
Section 174. He _thought_ himself again over the Wever.
[Sidenote: At 47 Minutes past III, over a _red_ Rivulet.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Neck of the Balloon tyed some Time _before_ to prevent
the Descent.]
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]
The Country beyond the Rivulet began to disclose itself: but was quite
_new_ 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.
[Sidenote: The Country _below_ unknown to the Aironaut, _when_ in the
Balloon.]
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 insignificant 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.
[Sidenote: Unusual Objects below.]
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.
[Sidenote: The Prospects opened, which demonstrated his Descent, owing
to the Loss of Gass.]
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.
[Sidenote: The same Spot perpetually varying to the Eye of the
Aironaut.]
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.
[Sidenote: Ballast thrown out gradually.]
183. The Descent of the Balloon being _rather_ quicker than was
expected, or desired; it was deemed expedient 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.
[Sidenote: The remaining Ballast thrown out _at once_, in all 20lb.
weight.]
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.
[Sidenote: Gentle Landing of the Balloon.]
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_.
[Sidenote: Anchor and Cable not made use of.]
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 him 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_.
[Sidenote: Landed at 53 Minutes past III. Thermometer 59.]
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.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Section 187. The Balloon alighted _near_ the _Middle_ of a +moss+;
called +rixton-moss+, a Place he had never before heard of.
[Sidenote: Rixton-Moss, its Magnitude.]
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.
[Sidenote: Chat-Moss in Lancashire.]
189. He has since been informed that the other Plain, about the Size
of a moderate _Carpet_, was no _less_ a Place than +chat moss+, a vast
_Tract_ of barren _wet_ Land, _many_ Miles in Extent.
[Sidenote: The _Rivulet_ seen when _above_, was the River Mersey near
Warrington.]
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+.
[Sidenote: The Excursion performed in two Hours and a Quarter.]
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.
[Sidenote: Balloon, unknown to the Aironaut, going at the Rate of 30
Miles an Hour.]
192. In comparing the Dates at Bellair and Rixton-Moss; it is certain
that the Balloon, 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.
END OF THE RE-ASCENT.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE SEQUEL.
[Sidenote: Flights with the Balloon for +three+ Hours longer.]
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+.
[Illustration: _A_ +Balloon Prospect+ _from ABOVE the_ CLOUDS _see
page IIII c._
Publish’d May 1ˢᵗ. 1766, by T.Baldwin Chester.]
[Illustration: The +Explanatory+ Print. _see Page IIII. d._]
Rixton-Moss, +Lancashire+, IV. o’Clock P.M.
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.
[Sidenote: The Aironaut indulged the People of the Country with
_Flights_ in the Balloon.]
Having asked aloud _who chose to ride_, several answered in the
Affirmative. So having pitched upon a young Fellow 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.
[Sidenote: The Aironaut _first_ quitted the Car; but continued to
_conduct_ the Balloon.]