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 The cords were withdrawn,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.
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