The folded balloon is laid out on the cloths with the neck opening toward the gas-pipe. The balloon is then unfolded, and so disposed that the valve will be uppermost, and in the centre of a circle embracing the upper half of the sphere of the balloon, the opening of the neck projecting a few inches beyond the rim of the circle. The hose from the gas-main may then be connected with the socket in the neck. [Illustration: Balloon laid out in the circular method, ready for inflation. The valve is seen at the centre. The neck is at the right.] Having made sure that the ripping cord and the valve rope are free from each other, and properly connected with their active parts, and that the valve is fastened in place, the net is laid over the whole, and spread out symmetrically. A few bags of ballast are hooked into the net around the circumference of the balloon as it lies, and the assistants distributed around it. It should be the duty of one man to hold the neck of the balloon, and not to leave it for any purpose whatever. The gas may then be turned on, and, as the balloon fills, more bags of ballast are hung symmetrically around the net; and all are continually moved downward as the balloon rises. Constant watching is necessary during the inflation, so that the material of the balloon opens fully without creases, and the net preserves its correct position. When the inflation is finished the hoop and car are to be hooked in place. The car should be fitted up and hung with an abundance of ballast. Disconnect the gas hose and tie the neck of the balloon in such fashion that it may be opened with a pull of the cord when the ascent begins. The ballast is then transferred to the hoop, or ring, and the balloon allowed to rise until this is clear of the ground. The car is then moved underneath, and the ballast moved down from the ring into it. The trail-rope should be made fast to the car directly under the ripping panel, the object being to retard that side of the balloon in landing, so that the gas may escape freely when the panel is torn open, and not underneath the balloon, as would happen if the balloon came to earth with the ripping panel underneath.