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.”