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.