Here was the actual discovery of the science of Aerostatics. The intelligence of the success achieved soon spread from France to other countries. Paris, however, was in advance, and the Brothers Robert applied hydrogen gas to a balloon which was sent up from the Champ de Mars in August 1783. There was some trouble experienced in filling it, but when the balloon was at length released it realized all expectations by remaining in the air nearly an hour. When at length it fell it met with a worse fate than it deserved, for the ignorant and superstitious peasantry at once destroyed it. After this Montgolfier exhibited his experiment next time at Versailles in the presence of the Court. The first aerial travellers appeared on this occasion—viz., a sheep, a cock, and a duck, which were secured in the car. They all descended in safety, and this success encouraged M. Pilatre de Rozier to make an attempt in a “fire balloon.” He went up first in a captive balloon, and at length he and a friend, the Marquis d’Arlandes, ascended from the Bois de Boulogne. The trip was a decided success, and the possibility of navigating the air was fully demonstrated. Soon after this,—viz., in December 1783,—an Italian Count, named Zambeccari, made an ascent in London, and came down safely at Petworth. MM. Charles and Robert ascended from Paris in December, and in February a balloon crossed the English Channel. We must pass over some time and come to the ascents of Lunardi, which caused great excitement in London. His balloon was a very large one, and was inflated, or rather partially so, at the Artillery ground. Some delay occurred, and fearing a riot, M. Lunardi proposed to go up alone with the partially-filled balloon. A Mr. Biggin who had intended to ascend was left behind. The Prince of Wales was present, with thousands of spectators. Lunardi cast off and ascended rapidly, causing great admiration from the whole metropolis. Judge and jury, sovereign and ministers, all turned out to gaze at the balloon; a guilty prisoner was acquitted hurriedly, so that no time was lost in discussion, and one lady died of excitement. Lunardi was regarded as a hero, and made many other ascents. He died in 1806. In those earlier days one or two fatal accidents happened. Count Zambeccari and a companion were in a balloon which caught fire, and both occupants of the car leaped from it as they were descending. The Count was killed on the spot, and his companion was much injured. Pilatre de Rozier made an attempt to cross the channel to England in 1785; he had reached three thousand feet when the balloon caught fire, and the unfortunate traveller was precipitated to the ground. His associate only survived him a few minutes. [Illustration: Fig. 294.—MM. Charles’ and Roberts’ balloon.] [Illustration: Fig. 295.—Blanchard’s balloon.]