ON FIVE BALLOON ASCENTS IN 1863. 431 
rain fell pattering on the balloon. This was 1 mile higher than we expe- 
rienced rain on the ascent, and it was much heavier. On passing below 14,000 
feet we entered a snow-storm, and for a space of nearly 5000 feet we passed 
through a beautiful scene. There were no flakes in the air, the snow was 
entirely composed of spicule of ice, of cross spicule at angles of 60° and 90°, 
and an innumerable number of snow-crystals, small in size but distinct, and 
of well-known forms, easily recognizable as they fell and remained on the coat. 
This unexpected circumstance of snow on asummer afternoon was all that was 
needed on this occasion to complete the experience of extreme heat of summer 
with the cold of winter within the range of a few hours, On passing below 
the snow, which we did when about 10,000 feet from the earth, we entered 
a murky atmosphere, which continued till we reached the ground; indeed so 
thick, misty, and murky was the lower atmosphere, that although we passed 
nearly over Ely Cathedral, and not far from it, we were unable to see it. When 
5000 feet high we were without sand, and became simply a falling body, 
checked by the dexterity of Mr. Coxwell in throwing the lower part of the 
balloon into the shape of a parachute. 
The place of descent was in a field on the borders of the counties of Cam- 
bridge and Norfolk, 20 miles from the mouth of the Wash and 8 miles from 
Ely. 
Ascent from the Crystal Palace, July 11.—This ascent was intended to 
have been one of extreme height, and the promise of success in this respect 
was held out until near the time of starting, as pilot balloons had passed 
nearly due east, and indicated that our course would have been towards 
Devonshire, but so doubtful is the course a balloon will take that no certainty 
can be felt till the balloon has actually left. However, on this occasion 
pilot balloons, though at first moving towards the west, soon met with a north 
wind and went south. Under these circumstances the attempt to ascend five 
miles was abandoned, and we resolved to ascertain, as far as possible, the thick- 
ness of the stratum influenced by the east wind, to profit by the knowledge 
and have as long a journey as we could. 
At the time of leaving, 4" 55™ p.m., the sky was nearly covered with cirrus 
and cirrostratus clouds, and the wind was blowing due east. In about 4 
minutes, and when at the height of about 2400 feet, the balloon suddenly 
changed from moving towards the west to moving due south. At 8 minutes 
past 5 we were over Croydon, at the height of 4600 feet, in mist, but could 
see the Green Man Hotel, Blackheath ; we then descended, passing down- 
wards through a thick atmosphere, till at 5" 32™ we were 2200 feet high 
ever Epsom Downs, and again within the influence of the east wind. We 
then turned to ascend, and at 5" 52™ were 3000 feet above Reigate ; here 
we could see Shooter’s Hill and the Crystal Palace, by the two towers of 
which we found we were again within the influence of a north wind. We 
then continued to ascend, with the view of ascertaining if we could pass above 
the north wind; at 6" 16™, when at 5400 feet, the wind shifted to N.N.W. 
and the atmosphere became very thick and misty, the sun’s place being just 
visible. At 6" 28" we were 6600 feet high, and the sun was wholly ob- 
secured ; we descended somewhat, but did not get below the mist. At 6" 40™ 
we were 6200 feet high and directly over Horsham. 
We then ascended to 6600 feet again to repeat the observations I had 
made, and found that the temperature in the half hour had declined 2° or 3°. 
At this time, 6" 56”, cirri and cirrostratus were very much higher than our- 
selves, and we saw the coast near Brighton. 
A consultation had been held whilst at this height with the view of crossing 
over to France, but our progress being so slow and the circumstances not 
