the land when the inevitable catastrophe took place.

The balloons caught fire and blew up at a height of 3,000 feet,
while the unfortunate voyagers were dashed to atoms.



CHAPTER III. THE FIRST BALLOON ASCENT IN ENGLAND.


As may be supposed, it was not long before the balloon was
introduced into England. Indeed, the first successful ascent
on record made in our own country took place in the summer of
1784, ten months previous to the fatal venture narrated at the
close of the last chapter. Now, it is a remarkable and equally
regrettable circumstance that though the first ascent on
British soil was undoubtedly made by one of our own countrymen,
the fact is almost universally forgotten, or ignored, and the
credit is accorded to a foreigner.

Let us in strict honesty examine into the case. Vincent
Lunardi, an Italian, Secretary to the Neapolitan Ambassador,
Prince Caramanico, being in England in the year 1784,
determined on organising and personally executing an ascent
from London; and his splendid enterprise, which was presently
carried to a successful issue, will form the principal subject
of the present chapter. It will be seen that remarkable
success crowned his efforts, and that his first and ever
memorable voyage was carried through on September 15th of that
year.