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:
HINTS
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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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 [18] 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cautions against two Extremes.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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].)

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Weight of Articles.

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

Articles. Pounds
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

0

–

14
Cap
Gloves
Drawers
Under Stockings
——— Waistcoat
3. Brandy, Water, Flask, and Refreshments

1

–

8
4. Barometer (portable)

0

–

12​1⁄2
5. Thermometer

0

–

3
6. Dial-Compass (a Mariner’s Compass in a double Box, will traverse better)

0

–

3​1⁄2
7. Two white Flags, with Dutch Twine on two Reels furnished with Swivels

0

–

4
8. Asses Skin Pocket Book, Blank Cards, Pencils, Knife and Scissars

0

–

4​1⁄2
9. Map of Cheshire boarded, the superfluous Parts cut away

0

–

3
10. Speaking Trumpet

0

–

8​1⁄2
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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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]

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.

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.

Let down the white Flag, 2 Furlongs, equal to half the Length of the Twine on one Reel.

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

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]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.

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.

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]

Apparent Altitude of the Balloon when stationary.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

T. Baldwin Arm. delt. et pinxt.

Heath sculpt.

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.

Balloon Shadow traced on the Clouds.

Section 56. DURING the Time that the Balloon from being stationary at 23​1⁄4 (corresponding to the Height of about a Mile and a half) began to decline, which it must have done with a brisk Motion, imperceptible to the Aironaut at the Time, tho’ since recognized, on Account of the great Opening at the Bottom; he traced its Shadow 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.

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]

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.

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.

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.

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.