ight-patrols, both of horse and foot, which were set to guard the
avenues leading to where it lay, were quite unable to stem the tide of
human beings that poured along to get a glimpse of it.

The conveyance of the balloon to the Champ de Mars was a most singular
spectacle. A vanguard, with lighted torches, preceded it; it was
surrounded by special attendants, and was followed by detachments of
night-patrols on foot and mounted. The size and shape of this structure,
which was escorted with such pomp and precaution--the silence that
prevailed--the unearthly hour, all helped to give an air of mystery
to the proceedings. At last, having passed through the principal
thoroughfares, it arrived at the Champ de Mars, where it was placed in
an enclosure prepared for its reception.

When the dawn came, and the balloon had been fixed in its place by
cords, attached around its middle and fixed to iron rings planted in the
earth, the final process of inflation began.

The Champ de Mars was guarded by troops, and the avenues were also
guarded on all sides. As the day wore on an immense crowd covered the
open space, and every advantageous spot in the neighborhood was crowded
with people. At five o'clock the report of a cannon announced to the
multitudes, and to scientific men who were posted on elevations to make
observations of the great event, that the grand moment had come. The
cords were withdrawn, and, to the vast delight and wonder of the crowd
assembled, the balloon shot up with such rapidity that in two minutes it
had ascended 488 fathoms. At this height it was lost in a cloud for an
instant, and, reappearing, rose to a great height, and was again lost
in higher clouds. The ascent was a splendid success. The rain that fell
damped neither the balloon nor the ardor of the spectators.

This balloon was 12 feet in diameter, 38 feet in circumference, and had
a capacity of 943 cubic feet. The weight of the materials of which it
was constructed was 25 lbs., and the force of ascension was that of 35
lbs.

The fall of the balloon was caused by the expansion and consequent
explosion of the hydrogen gas. This event took place some distance out
in the country, close to a number of peasants, whose terror at the
sight and the sound of this strange monster from the skies was beyond
description. The people assembled, and two monks having told them that
the burst balloon was the hide of a monstrous animal, they immediately
began to assail