Airopaidia
Thomas Baldwin
Airopaidia: Or AëRial Recreation.
+Descriptions+ _of_ the aërial Scenes _are illustrated with _ENGRAVINGS_, by the best Masters: two of which are_ +coloured+.
_The_ one, _a circular View from the Balloon at its greatest Elevation; the_ City of Chester _appearing in the_ Center.
The other, _a Specimen of Balloon Geography: being a Prospect from_ above _the Clouds, of the Country between_ Chester, _and_ Warrington _in Lancashire, with the Track of the Balloon in the Air_.
_A_ third _represents the Balloon over Helsbye-Hill in Cheshire, with a beautiful View of the adjacent Country_.
AIROPAIDIA: +containing the NARRATIVE of a BALLOON EXCURSION+ from +chester+, the eighth of September, 1785, taken from +minutes+ made +during+ the Voyage: H I N T S +on the IMPROVEMENT of BALLOONS, and MODE of INFLATION by _STEAM_: MEANS to prevent their DESCENT over WATER: occasional ENQUIRIES into the STATE of the ATMOSPHERE, favouring their DIRECTION: with various philosophical OBSERVATIONS and CONJECTURES.+ +to which is subjoined, MENSURATION of HEIGHTS by the BAROMETER, _MADE PLAIN:_ with extensive TABLES.+ The +whole+ serving as an +introduction+ to AËRIAL NAVIGATION: +with a copious+ INDEX.
+By THOMAS BALDWIN, Esq. A. M.+
- - - - - Addita +navigiis+ sunt
Multa. _Lucretius De Rerum Nat._ L. 5, V. 335.
Nihil +perfectum+ simul ac +inceptum+.
+Usus uni rei+ deditus, et +naturam+ et +artem+ sæpe vincit. _Cicero._
Chester:
Printed for the Author, by J. Fletcher; and sold by W. Lowndes, No. 77, Fleet-street, London; J. Poole, Chester; and other Booksellers.
1786. Price, in Boards, 7s. 6d.
To The Principal Inhabitants Of _Chester:_
For their +polite attention+ on the Day of Ascent, and Preservation of +order+ during the +inflation+: on which, the Success of aërial Experiments so much depends, and throu’ the Want of which, so many have already failed; for the kind Anxiety manifested during his Absence; and for their friendly +congratulations+, on his safe Return; the following Account of the Balloon-Excursion, written at their Request, is, by their Permission, with all Gratitude, Esteem and Respect,
+dedicated+, by their most obliged, and most obedient Servant +the+ AIRONAUT.
An Account Of The Plates; With Directions For Placing Them.
1st. _An Account of the Plates._
1. (_a_) _A Circular View from the Balloon at its greatest Elevation_, (Page 58.) The Spectator is supposed to be in the Car of the Balloon, suspended above the _Center_ of the View: looking _down_ on the Amphitheatre or _white_ Floor of Clouds, and seeing the _City of Chester_, as it appeared throu’ the _Opening_: which discovers the Landscape _below_, limited, by surrounding Vapour, to something less than _two_ Miles in Diameter.
The Breadth of the _blue_ Margin _defines_ the _apparent_ Height of the Spectator in the Balloon (viz. 4 Miles) _above_ the _white_ Floor of Clouds, as he hangs in the Center, and looks _horizontally_ round, into the _azure_ Sky.
2. (_b_) _The Balloon over Helsbye-Hill in Cheshire_, at half past II. on Thursday the 8th of September, 1785. (Page 78.)
It is seen in the _South-west-Quarter_.
The View was taken in a _high_ Field, at the End of Sutton-Causeway.
Helsbye-Hill, tho’ upwards of 600 _Feet high_, appeared from the Car of the Balloon, to be on the _same Level_ with the _Grounds below_.
3. (_c_) _A Balloon-Prospect from above the Clouds_, (Page 154,) or _Chromatic_ View of the Country between Chester, Warrington and Rixton-Moss in Lancashire: shewing the whole Extent of the aërial Voyage; with the _meandering_ Track of the Balloon throu’ the Air.
4. _The Explanatory Print_ (_d_), (Page 155:) which elucidates the former by giving the Names of the principal Places mentioned in the Excursion.
N. B. _The Circular View_ is seen to the best Advantage, when placed _flat_ on a Table or Chair, and _rather_ in the Shade: the Eye looking _directly_ down upon the Picture.
Whoever will be at the Trouble of viewing _distinct_ Parts of the _Balloon-Prospect_, throu’ a very small Opening, made by rolling a Sheet of Paper into the Form of a hollow Tube, and applying it close to either Eye, at the same Time shutting the other; or by looking throu’ the Hand, held a little open, and close to the Eye; may form a very accurate Idea of the Manner, in which the _Prospect below_ was represented _gradually in Succession_, to the Aironaut; whose Sight was bounded by a Circularity of Vapour, as in Section 79, 221.
2d. _Directions for placing them._
Place the _Top_ of the +circular view+, _even_ with the _Top_ of the Page.
The Plate will then lye over at the Bottom, and at the _right_ Side of the Page.
Fold the Bottom up into the Book, even with the Margin: and the _right_ Side in like Manner.
Observe to place the _Bottom_ of each of the other Plates, even with the _Bottom_ of the Page.
The Plate will then lye _over_ at the Top, and at the _right_ Side of the Page.
Fold the Top _down_, into the Book, _even_ with the Margin: and the right Side, in like Manner.
The circular View, to _face_ Page 58.
The Balloon over Helsbye-Hill, to _face_ Page 78.
The Balloon Prospect, to _face_ Page 154.
The explanatory Print, to be placed _on_ Page 155: and, when unfolded, to be seen _along with_ the Balloon-Prospect.
Literal and other Errors proper to be examined, and corrected with the Pen, before the Book is read.
Page.
6. Note [1]—ειαδεν _write_ ευαδεν.
18. Note [6]—_Cube_ of the Velocity, &c. _write_ (as in some Copies) Square of the Velocity, &c. the Resistence will be as 3 × 3 = 9.—See Chambers’s Dictionary, under +resistence+.
23. Section 21. _Blot out_ [Signs] of Currents.
26. _Before_ All Things being thus prepared, _insert_ [_Section_] _viz._ 25.
35. Line 13.—I o’Clock, _write_ I. o’Clock.
54. Section 52.—an Extent above them of 77 Miles, _write_ an Extent of 102 Miles. See the Occasion of this Mistake in Note (_a_) Calculation SECOND, which makes the Answer 102 Miles, 1 Quarter, 320 Yards; and the Ans. to the PROBLEM being 102 1 307 ————————————————————————— gives the Prospect 13 Yards less than _that_ over the Clouds.
84. Line 4.—great Turnpike-Road, _write_ great public Road.
84. Note [26] _After_ See Moore’s Practical Navigator, _insert_ See Page 98 [34].
98. _After_ Note [34] _add_ See Section 84, Note [26].
118. Line 5.—from a vertical Situation only, to be seen, _write_ to be seen from a vertical Situation only:.
174. Line 1.—excessine Diminution _write_ excessive Diminution.
177. Line 9.—contain _write_ contains.
202. The Sections 259, 260, 261, are repeated.
234. Line 6.—a Yard, _write_ two Yards.
236. Line 3. _After the Words_ in Danger of breaking; _add_ the Bottom of the Balloon must be opened, or the upper Valve drawn. _And erase the Remainder of the Sentence._
237. Line 4.—which is a Sign that the Balloon descends, _write_ (which is a Sign that the Balloon descends).
242. Line 21.—supercede, _write_ supersede.
263. Line 5.—commonly: ascend, _write_ commonly ascend:.
266. Line 21.—their Passage _write_ its Passage.
271. Line 14.—each 4 Feet _write_ each 4 Inches.
278. Lines 15 and 18.—third Tables _and_ third Table, _write_ fourth Tables _and_ fourth Table.
283. Note [119].—more than the three first Decimals _write_ more than the four first Decimals.
288. Line 5. _After_ .0000076, _insert_ which, being divided by .1, gives a Cypher less.
288. Line 11.—with 4° on .25, _write_ with 4° on 25.
290. Note [120]—at low Water.) _write_ at low Water.
292. Line 23.—there will remain the greater Height, _write_ there will remain, +secondly+; (see Section 367) the greater Height.
303. Line 6.—(viz. the 8,) _write_ (viz. the .8,).
309. Line 10. Marginal Note.—_7th Step in Section_ 366. write _7th Step in Section_ 368.
310. _After_ Line 23, _insert_ _Air_-Thermom. 56°.
311. Line 1.—By the Practice of the first Example, _write_ Practice of the second Example.
312. Line 29. _After_ The Answer, &c. _insert_, made by rejecting a Cypher,.
317. Before the last Line but two, _insert_ +end of the first stage+.
318. Line 23.—the 2d Tenth, _write_ the 1st Tenth.
319. Line 13.—, gives 7. _write_, gives 97.
322. last Line but two.—and the remaining Feet _write_ the remaining Feet.
Airopaidia:
Chapter I.
[Sidenote: Introduction.]
Section 1. The Public have, for a considerable Time, been entertained with Accounts of aërial Voyages.
Such Accounts are, in many Respects, vague and unsatisfactory: by no Means adequate to the Expectations and Wishes, which have been formed by those, who have not yet penetrated the profound Heights of the Atmosphere.
[Sidenote: Mistakes to be noticed, as Examples of Avoidance.]
2. The Voyagers have, now and then, been pretty accurate in Regard to Time Place Distance and Velocity: Circumstances highly worthy of Remark, in order to estimate the Improvement already made in this wonderful Discovery, and point out its Use: but neither ought the _several Occasions of Failure_ in the Experiments to be omitted; as they will be found to arise more from a Want of Prudence and Foresight in the Managers, than from any Defect in the Machine, or the Principle on which it acts. Such Failure ought therefore to throw an additional Light and Credit on the Art: and give a Spur to Ingenuity, which, it is not to be doubted, will continue to drive forwards with the same rapid Success; nor rest, till the Art itself is brought to the highest Degree of Perfection; till airostatic Ships make the Circuit of the Globe: a +Navigation+ which, from its Novelty and Importance, deserves to be considered in a separate Treatise.
[Sidenote: Aërial Voyagers defective in their Descriptions.]
3. Balloon-Voyagers have likewise been particularly defective in their Descriptions of aërial Scenes and Prospects: those Scenes of majestic Grandeur which the unnumbered Volumes of encircling Clouds, in most fantastic Forms and various Hues, beyond Conception glowing and transparent, portray to a Spectator placed as in a Center of the Blue Serene above them: contemplating at the same Instant, and _apparently_ at some Miles Distance immediately below, a most exquisite and ever-varying Miniature of the _little Works of Man_, heightened by the supreme Pencil of Nature, inimitably elegant, and in her highest Colouring.
Such are the Scenes which, Ballooners all allow, constitute the true Sublime and Beautiful: inspire Ideas of rational Humiliation to a thinking Mind, and raise the most careless Mortal to an unknown Degree of enthusiastic Rapture and Pleasure.
Every Beholder is a Judge of the Scenery around him: and no one, it is presumed, ever ascended into the Atmosphere on a _mild Day_, with a sound and well ballasted Balloon, that did not wish to taste the Luxury of a second Voyage.
[Sidenote: Disappointment shoud excite the Ardor of the Scientific.]
4. Yet notwithstanding, as Ignorance is known to be the Parent of Fear, the Bulk of Mankind, which are by far the greater Number, will long continue to entertain absurd Apprehensions concerning it; to oppose and ridicule the Invention; as they will oppose every other Discovery, which they have neither Talents _Inclination_ or Leisure to understand.
This Reflexion shoud, on the contrary, rather excite than check the Ardor of the Skilful and Scientific, to cherish and promote the Art.
In the History of Airostation, each Event is yet new and _uncompared_. _Every_ Circumstance ought therefore to be carefully recorded: since it woud be unfair to fix Bounds to Science; or argue, that such Inferences, as shall demonstrate the great Utility of the Invention, may not be drawn from Circumstances which Inattention might pronounce to be most trifling and minute.
[Sidenote: The Reader cautioned.]
5. The Reader is requested to observe that, this Account being addressed to the Generality, and not to the Curious and Philosophic only; many Circumstances are added, which woud otherwise have been considered as superfluous: and some it was thought proper to repeat, in order to connect the Thread of the Narration, without the Necessity of frequent Reference to the Sections.
[Sidenote: Squalls of Wind the Day preceding the Ascent.]
6. An Agreement having been made with Mr. Lunardi, that he shoud resign his Balloon to Mr. Baldwin on Wednesday the 7th of September; an Advertisement to that Purpose appeared in the Chester Paper: and on Wednesday Morning, a great Number of Spectators assembled in the Castle-yard of the City of Chester: where many waited till half past IV in the Afternoon; Mr. Lunardi declaring that, on Account of the Violence and Unsteadiness of the Wind which blew from the South and South-West, it was dangerous to attempt the Inflation of his Balloon; and Mr. Baldwin continuing to assert that, if it coud be filled, he was willing to go up.
The Weather was _then_ moderate: but Mr. Baldwin, thinking the Hour too late to begin the Inflation, which, judging from the two former Inflations, coud not probably have been completed till after _Sunset_; made a Proposal to Mr. Lunardi, that he shoud postpone the Exhibition till the next[1] _Day_. The latter, after some Reluctance, arising from a Fear lest the Public shoud disapprove his Conduct, politely complied with his Request, on Mr. Baldwin’s saying that he woud take the Blame on himself.
Chapter II.
+Preparations for the Voyage.+
[Sidenote: Cannon first fired at IX.]
Section 7. On Thursday the 8th of September 1785, at IX in the Morning, one of the Cannons (a Six-pounder) was first fired in the Castle-yard, to inform the City and Neighbourhood, that the necessary Preparations were making to inflate the Balloon.
Till VIII that Morning, the Air had been hazy: but was then clear, bright and calm _below_, with an upper Tier of light Clouds in the Zenith moving from South-West by West, and dense ones rising in the Horizon.
[Sidenote: At X, the Inflation began with a small Balloon.]
8. At X o’Clock, the Process began with the Inflation of an airostatic Globe eighteen Feet in Circumference, of Silk Tiffany, made the latter End of the Year 1783, and decorated with Painting, Mottoes and Devices: in the Performance of which little Work, Mr. Baldwin was (in the modern Phrase) the sole Projector, Architect Workman and Chymist.
[Sidenote: An airostatic Globe liberated as Pioneer to the great one.]
9. The Airostat was presently liberated by the Hands of Mr. Lunardi; and continuing to turn gently the same Way round its own Axis, afforded a beautiful Spectacle to the Beholders: remaining in Sight about half an Hour. It was intended to serve as a Sort of Pioneer, to delineate the Track of the great Balloon.
[Sidenote: Its Fate.]
10. It fell at some Miles Distance, ’tis said unfortunately on a Hedge, and was presently torn to Pieces by the Eagerness and Avarice of the Pursuers, who expected and undeservedly obtained the Reward promised in the Letter appended to it.
[Sidenote: Second Cannon at XII.]
11. At XII the Cannon fired a second Time, to announce that the Process was in a proper Degree of Forwardness.
At this Time Mr. Baldwin went, with some Friends, to take an early Dinner: he also recapitulated the Articles, to be certain that Nothing was omitted.
[Sidenote: Inventory for the Voyage.]
12. The following Inventory, with which he ascended, may be of Use to future Aironauts; to whom _only_ it is addressed.
The Cable and Grapple are considered as Part of the Balloon. (See Section 13.)
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.]
195. The _Aironaut_ then got out; and having suffered the Balloon to rise; fastened the End of the Cable to _central_ Meshes of the Net, at the Bottom of the Car: ordering the strongest and tallest Man to hold the Cable, and let it go by Degrees till the Anchor or grappling Iron _alone_ remained in his Hand.
[Sidenote: Behaviour of different Adventurers.]
The Balloon now rising _above_ the Height of the Trees, and giving the Adventurer a new and extensive Prospect of the Country; he became _silent_; _pale_; his _Countenance_ the _Picture_ of _Distress_; looking _down_ as if for _Help_.
The Conductor repeatedly bid him take Courage. But, in vain.
By lowering the Car _within_ the Height of the Trees, he seemed to _recover_ from his _Dismay_.
Chapter XXXV.
Section 196. The Route of the Balloon being now throu’ a _flat woody_ Country, with _tall_ Trees growing in the Hedge Rows; a Difficulty occurred, how to conduct the Cable, when the Balloon was _above_ or _between_ the Trees, without entangling: which gave the Conductor much Trouble, as he was frequently obliged to walk round a Field, the Balloon being held in the Center, before he coud espy a proper Opening.
[Sidenote: March of the Balloon.]
The Procession marched slowly forward: and the young Man was carried among _his Peers_ in Triumph through the Air, across the Turnpike-Road, into the Middle of an open Grass Field, where he descended; took a Companion _less heavy_, and left the Car.
This Stripling was a good Deal surprised the Instant he rose above the Trees; but ventured to look around: and appeared on the _whole_ much delighted.
197. A great Concourse of People were now collected.
Accidental Carriages halted: joined the Cavalcade, and partook of the Diversion: the _greater_ Part following the Balloon throu’ the _open_ Fields adjoining the Road.
[Sidenote: Caution to prevent the Escape of the Balloon.]
The Conductor _generally_ preferring the beaten Track; yet _suspecting_ the Balloon with its Adventurer in the Car, might _designedly_ be suffered to _escape_, took the Precaution to have the Grapple held by _nearest_ Relations to the Person in the Car.
198. The Gass evaporating; a smart young Fellow, who seemed ready for the Jaunt, stepped in: on which the former resigned his Place. But he was no sooner raised a few Yards above his Companions, than the _florid_ Colour forsook his Cheeks; he _trembled_; bent himself _double_ with Fright; and the Balloon was obliged to be hauled down.
[Sidenote: A Venus in the Car of the Balloon.]
199. A fond Mother then requested that her Child, a fine blooming Girl, might ascend: boasting of her Courage, and comparing it with that of the Person who had none.
The _Venus_ smiled, and mounted her Car with great Spirit.
[Sidenote: Politeness of the neighbouring Gentlemen.]
200. Some Ladies and Gentlemen of the Neighbourhood who had watched the Balloon, while it hung at an immense Height over Lymm, and the Gunpowder Works on the River Mersey, came, in their Evening Walk, to meet it: joined the Procession; gave the Aironaut _polite_ Invitations to their Houses, and shewed him every possible Civility.
[Sidenote: Effect of Air in _Motion_ on the Surface of the Balloon.]
201. The Resistance made by the _Surface_ of the Balloon, against the _least Breath_ of Air moving _horizontally_, was _frequently_ tried by occasionally holding the Grapple: and it was a decided Point, that the _least Motion of the Air_ was sufficient, together with the Action of _Levitation_, to prevent the Person, who held the Grapple when the Cable was extended, from transporting the Balloon against the Current: nay it was with Difficulty he coud remain in the _same_ Place: the Balloon sometimes pulling him forwards, and almost off his Feet.
[Sidenote: Effect of _calm_ Air on the Surface of the Balloon.]
202. When the Air was perfectly _calm_, which frequently happened while the Balloon migrated with different Passengers, as the Evening was the finest in the World, and the Country flat and woody in the Hedge-Rows; it was with _Difficulty_ that the Conductor coud draw the Balloon after him, faster than the Rate of a moderate _Walk_: viz. three Miles an Hour.
Chapter XXXVI.
[Sidenote: Sun set at 34 Minutes past VI.]
Section 203. The Sun set at 34 Minutes past VI. and, tho’ it was _then_ near that Time, the Post-Chaise was _not_ arrived.
204. On Enquiry for a dry smooth Meadow, he was recommended to proceed a little farther, to a Place on the Road within three Miles of Warrington.
205. Having by this Time gratified the Curiosity of the Country in admitting Boys and Girls to the Age of six or seven Years, into the Car; and being arrived after Sun-set at the Place appointed, viz. _Milton’s Croft-Green_; he ordered the Balloon to be laid on its Side along the Ground: having removed the Car, and opened the Mouth; the inflammable Air or Gass, was soon pressed out by Means of a _long Pole_ rolled _across_ it by two Men, standing one at each End of the Pole: beginning at the Top or upper Valve, which was held down close to the Ground; and ending at the Mouth or Neck.
It was then rolled up, put into the Car; and the whole Apparatus placed on the Top of the Chaise which arrived the Moment wanted.
[Sidenote: Balloon put up at 53 Minutes past VI.]
206. The Operation was completed at 53 Minutes past VI: the Conductor having accompanied the Balloon on Foot exactly +three+ Hours.
[Sidenote: Balloon in the Air five Hours and a Quarter.]
207. The Balloon had therefore continued _floating_ in the Air, with different Persons, in the whole, for the Space of five Hours and a Quarter.
The Conductor, promising to accept the very polite Invitation offered him by Mr. _Stanton_, a Gentleman who is principally concerned in the Gunpowder-Works upon the Mersey; called at his House, and partook of some Refreshments.
He then drove to Warrington, where he was met by a Person whom Curiosity had inspired to follow the Balloon _on Foot_ from Chester, as long as he coud keep it _in View_.
208. Mr. Lunardi likewise with great Civility dispatched his Servant to assist the Aironaut in _the Care_ of the Balloon; but he did not arrive in Time; not reaching Warrington till VIII. at Night: having lost Sight of the Balloon about _Daresbury_, four Miles from Warrington.
209. Nor was it visible to any, at least very few, of the Inhabitants of that Town, which was equally hidden from the Aironaut: who, _then_ ignorant of his Situation, must have remained a considerable Time suspended above the Clouds; which concealed both the Town and River.
He saw Warrington but twice when +above+: for a short Time, at a great Distance, and a _mediate_ Altitude.
210. The following Day he returned to Chester: was met by the Militia-Music, and ushered with loud Huzzaes into his native City.
On his safe Arrival; besides the private and sincere Congratulations of his Relations and Friends; the Bells rang: his Flags were carried in Procession, and every public Demonstration of Joy was shewn on the Occasion.
To The Inhabitants Of Chester Thanks.
End Of The Excursion Throu’ The Air.
Airopaidia.
Chapter XXXVII.
+OBSERVATIONS, HINTS, and CONJECTURES, on the SUBJECT of the BALLOON and EXCURSION FROM CHESTER THE EIGHTH OF SEPT. 1785.+
Of The Weather, In The Vicinity Of Chester, About The Time Of The Excursion.
Section 211. For more than ten Days _before_ the Balloon-Voyage, the Wind had blown (_interruptedly_ on Account of the Sea-Breeze) from South and South by West.
Monday the 5th of September:
A Conjunction of the Planet Mercury and the Moon, at +one+ in the Afternoon.
Tuesday the 6th:
A violent Hurricane in the South of England, at London, Portsmouth, &c.
The same Day at Chester North-North-West, and distant from London 182 Miles; South-Breeze; Rain most of the Day. Thermometer at Noon in the Shade, 62: and 14 Divisions colder each Night, than the _following_ Day, at an Average of five Years. Barometer, below _Much Rain_, viz. at 28 Inches ⁹⁄₁₀ths.
Wednesday the 7th:
Violent Squalls from South and South-West, with hazy Air, till half past IV in the Afternoon. Thermom. 58; Barom. Changeable, viz. 29½.
Thursday the 8th, which was the Day of the Excursion:
Much bright Sun. (On Enquiry) calm _below_ till half past III in the Afternoon, then West Sea-Breeze: South-West Breeze _above_ till half past IV. Calm bright Evening.
Also the upper Stratum of Clouds thin and _white_, in _quick_ Motion, when seen from _below_ till Noon: at which Time the Sky was almost cloudless: and, from _above_ the upper Stratum, were seen, interspersed, Multitudes of detached Thunder-Clouds in large Masses, rising at Intervals, in the _Middle_ of the upper Surfaces of white Clouds, and stretching _above_ them.
Friday and Saturday moderate: South and South-West Breeze.
Sunday the 11th. The Planet Mercury stationary.
Cloudy Morn. South-West Breeze. Thermom. at 60 at Noon. Barom. _above_, Changeable, viz. at 29½. +Much thunder+ and Rain in the Afternoon.
212. Quere, Had the _Thunder_-Clouds on Thursday, tho’ not remarked by any from +below+, yet visible to a great Extent from the Balloon _above_ them,—any Connexion with the _Thunder_ that happened +three+ Days after?
[Sidenote: Weather, to be prognosticated, by _Sight_, from the Balloon]
Answer: It appears to the Observer, that the _Thunder_ was _gradually_ collecting in the Air from _Thursday_ till Sunday: and if so; will not Balloons, when more _frequent_, prognosticate the Weather, _by Sight_, better than any other known Methods?
Chapter XXXVIII.
On Certain Appearances At Different Altitudes Of The Balloon.
[Sidenote: Of the highest visible Clouds which are always _white_.]
Section 213. The highest visible _white_ Clouds, often seen in detached Streaks, during the finest and also in the worst Weather, (if not intercepted by lower Clouds) and which, when melting away, are known in some Counties by the common Appellation of Horse-Tails; and, suspended over Great-Britain, are frequently _marbled_ or dappled by the Wind; putting on the Appearance of white Waves, like Sea-Sands ruffled and left by a rapid Tide;—had been disturbed, separated, and almost _melted_ down by the _Storm_ the Day preceding the Excursion.
Two of them _only_ were still visible in Streaks, near the Sun’s Place, at the first Ascent. They seemed without Motion, and became afterwards _invisible_.
Saussure, the celebrated Professor of Philosophy at Geneva, is very exact in his Definition, Description, and Height of these Appearances: and thinks it _probable_, their Situation may be “_at least fifteen English Miles above the Surface of the Earth_.”
“Car quand je considere ces fines Pommelures, &c.” “For when I consider these delicate Dapplings, which, in a Series of fair Weather, begin to cover the azure Vault of Heaven with a white and transparent Gauze, and which portend Rain a long Time before it happens; I am led to believe they occupy a very elevated Situation in the Atmosphere” (Essais sur l’Hygrometrie, P. 271.)
It seems however that _Crosbie_, in his Excursion from Dublin on the 25th of January 1785, pierced throu’ and soared above these _fine Webs_, at the Height of 16 Inches by the Barometer in a _frosty_ Air.
[Sidenote: Of the _Chilliness_ perceived at a certain Height.]
214. It has been already noted, that at a certain Height, a Kind of +chilliness+ was perceived, not ascertainable by the Thermometer.
The Sensation was _suddenly_ impressed four Time
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