He
consented, however, to a proposal that animals might be sent up
in the first instance, by way of experiment, suspended in an
osier cage attached to the neck of the balloon.
Montgolfier at once began a new balloon. A few days only were at
his disposal; but, assisted by friends, he worked with such
ardour and success that he was able, on the date appointed, to
produce a magnificent spherical balloon, much stronger than the
former, constructed of good strong cotton cloth, and painted in
distemper.
It is proper here to remark that the first balloons were much
more elegant in appearance than those afterwards made. The
coloured prints and engravings of the period enable us to form an
opinion of the splendour of their ornamentation and the beauty of
their design. Sometimes the figures painted upon them
represented scenes from the heathen mythology, and sometimes
historical scenes; while rich embroideries, royal insignia, and
gaily-coloured draperies added much to the general effect. The
Versailles balloon was painted blue, with ornaments of gold, and
it presented the form of a richly decorated tent. It was
fifty-seven feet in height, and sixty-seven in diameter.
It was first tried at Paris, and succeeded perfectly.
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