380 REPORT—1862. 
fully 500 lbs.; this seemed to be more than ample, and, when compared with 
that retained by Gay-Lussae, viz. 33 lbs., and by Rush and Green, when the 
barometer reading was 11 inches, viz. 70 =D seemed indeed to be more than 
we could possibly need, yet it proved to be insufficient, 
The descent took place at Langham, near Oakham in Rutlandshire, in a 
meadow near the residence of Mr. E. G. Baker, from whom we received the 
utmost attention. 
Ascent from the Crystal Palace, July 30.—A table was fixed to the 
side of the car, partly within and partly without. The instruments were 
placed on a framework, fixed to the part of the table outside, so as to be 
beyond the influence of the occupants of the car; my note-book, watch, and 
aneroid barometer rested on the inner part of the table. The air was in 
gentle motion from the south-west, enabling the instruments to be made 
ready for observation before starting, and at 4" 40" p.m. the balloon left the 
earth. 
The temperature declined instantly. Observations were taken every minute 
or half-minute from the time of ascent, to as near as possible the time of 
descent. 
The readings of one barometer were kindly made by Mr. W. F. Ingelow, 
and he also assisted me in observing the first appearance of dew on the 
hygrometer. 
A height of 7000 feet was reached at about 6 o’clock, and the descent began 
about a quarter past 6; it was rather rapid, but quite under control, and we 
reached the earth at the village of Singlewell, near Gravesend, at 6" 30™. 
Ascent from Wolverhampton, August 18.—The weather on this day was 
favourable ; there was but little wind, and that blowing from the N.E. By noon 
the balloon was nearly inflated, and as it merely swayed in a light wind, all the 
instruments were fixed before starting, and at 1" 2" 388 p.w. Mr. Coxwell 
pulled the spring-catch ; for a moment the balloon remained motionless, and 
then rose steadily almost perpendicularly: this ascent was all that could be 
desired. In about 10 minutes we passed through a fine cumulus cloud, and 
then emerged into a clear space with a beautiful blue sky dotted over with 
cirrus clouds above. When at the height of nearly 12,000 feet, with the 
temperature of 38°, or 30° less than on the ground, and dew-point 26°, 
Mr. Coxwell dischar zed gas, and we descended to a little above 3000 feet at 
1" 48™; a very eradual ascent then took place till 2" 30, when a height of 
about 24,000 feet was obtained; and here a consultation took place as to the 
prudence of discharging more ballast or retaining it, so as to ensure a safe 
descent ; ultimately it was determined not to go higher, as some clouds, whose 
thickness we could not tell, had to be passed through. The descent began 
soon after, and we reached the earth a little after 3 o’clock at Solihull, about 
7 miles from Birmingham. 
Ascent from the Crystal Palace, August 20.—The air was almost calm, the 
instruments were all fixed before starting, and the balloon left the Crystal 
Palace at 6" 26" p.u., the temperature at the time being 66°, dew-point 54°. 
By 6" 35™ we were half a mile high, the temperature being 56°, At 6" 37™ 
the height of three-quarters, of a mile was attained, and the air was so tran- 
quil that we were still over the Palace. At 6" 43", when at the height of 
nearly a mile, a thick mist or thin cloud was entered, the earth being just 
visible. The temperature at this time was 50°, dew-point 46°; this elevation 
and temperature were maintained for about five minutes, and we ‘then descended 
200 or 300 feet. Kennington Oval was in sight. At 7° 9™ St. Mark’s 
Church, Kennington, was exactly underneath us. We were now about a 
