81. There was now sufficient Leisure to trace the incredible Variety of most beautiful Curves, into which the Stream had worked the Bed of the River Wever in a Course of Time, and in the Compass of a few Miles: an Appearance which demonstrates the Incorrectness of Maps.
Some actual Clouds presented themselves in detached Groupes over the Land: and the Land itself shone plainer throu’ the Intervals, than in Places near which no Clouds appeared.
82. On reconnoitring the scattered Town of Frodsham, which like Chester was of a light Blue; the Balloon moving by Intervals round its Axis, the Prospect seemed to open on a sudden; and the Aironaut coud discover theSight of Warrington. Town of Warrington: the Plan of which was small, neat, but of a darker Blue, inclining to Grey: the Slates[24] there used being almost peculiar to the County of Lancaster.
83. From this Enlargement of the Prospect over Land, he imagined that the Balloon was either gently descending; or that it appeared throu’ the clear Intervals of actual Clouds below him.
84. He had Time however to make the following Remarks. Cattle, if grazing in the Meadows, were not distinguishable; or at least were not distinguished. It was in vain to look for Sheaves of Corn, or Hattocks on the Ground: possibly from a Sameness of Colour like the growing Stalks, and Field: or protruding but a small Degree of Elevation; tho’ the Shadow even at twelve o’Clock[25] was something longer than the perpendicular Height of each Object.[26] Noises of Carriages along the great public Road; especially Waggons and Carts heavily laden; (the Gratings of whose Wheels against the Stones seemed uncommonly harsh;)Pleasurable Circumstance peculiar to the Balloon. were discriminately heard, tho’ not discoverable by the Eye. Numbers of human Voices were almost continually huzzaeing: except while stationary at the first Rise; when all around was wrapt in the Sublimity of Silence; which afforded a pleasurable Contrast;—diffusing a delicious Calm.
A third Bottle of Air was thrown out.
CHAPTER XV.
Balloon over Aston-House, at 4 Minutes past III, and near a Mile high.
Section 85.AT 4 Minutes past III, the Balloon remained vertically over the River, and over the elegant Mansion called Aston.