But Coxwell’s most celebrated voyage of all took place some years later, on the occasion of a scientific voyage made in company with Mr. James Glaisher. In 1862 the British Association determined to continue the balloon observations which Mr. Welsh had so successfully commenced, but this time on a larger scale. The observer was to be Mr. Glaisher of Greenwich Observatory, and Mr. Coxwell, who by this time had become a recognised aeronaut, undertook the management of the balloon. The first ascents were made in July and August. Mr. Glaisher took up a most elaborate and costly outfit of instruments, which, however, were badly damaged at the outset during a very rapid descent, made perforce to avoid falling in the “Wash.” On each occasion a height of over four miles was attained; but on the third voyage, which was in September, it was decided to try and reach yet greater altitudes. The balloon with its two passengers left Wolverhampton at 1 P.M.--the temperature on the ground being 59°. At about a mile high a dense cloud was entered, and the thermometer fell to 36°. In nineteen minutes a height of two miles was reached, and the air was at freezing-point. Six minutes later they were three miles aloft, with the thermometer still falling; and by the time four miles high was attained the mercury registered only 8°. In forty-seven minutes from the start five miles had been passed; and now the temperature was 2° below zero. Mr. Coxwell, who was up in the ring of the balloon and exerting himself over the management of it, found he was beginning to breathe with great difficulty. Mr. Glaisher, sitting quietly in the car watching his instruments, felt no inconvenience. More ballast was thrown out, and the balloon continued to rise apace; and soon Mr. Glaisher found his eyes growing strangely dim. He could not see to read his thermometer, or distinguish the hands of his watch. He noticed the mercury of the barometer, however, and saw that a height of 29,000 feet had been reached, and the balloon was still rising. What followed next had best be told in Mr. Glaisher’s own words:--