The basket was picked up at sea off Oceanside, San Diego County, about 90 km. (145 miles) east of Avalon. For the first 6 miles of ascension the balloon moved upward at the rate of 8 miles per hour.] [Illustration: FIG. 4. FIRST FLIGHT OF AIRPLANE CARRYING TWO PERSONS _Photographed September 10, 1908_ This photograph was made at Fort Meyer, Virginia, of the original Wright biplane, piloted by Mr. Orville Wright With Colonel G. O. Squier, U. S. A., as first passenger. When this photograph was made no fatalities in airplane flight had occurred; the first victim, Lieutenant Selfridge, U. S. A., was killed while riding with Mr. Wright in the same biplane shown above, on the Tuesday following the Saturday this photograph was made, the machine falling to the ground at a spot which is practically the center of the picture, but near the trees which are part of Arlington National Cemetery.] [Illustration: FIG. 5. MOUNT WILSON OBSERVATORY _Photographed December 24, 1915_ A special meteorological station of the Weather Bureau was established on Mount Wilson, December 25, 1915, and on April 1, 1916, daily reports of temperature, weather, precipitation, relative humidity, fog and other conditions were first telegraphed to the local office of the Weather Bureau at Los Angeles for publication and distribution. The photograph shows the location of the meteorological observatory(*) and the valleys below. From the elevation of the observatory (6,000 feet above sea-level), it is possible for the observer to determine the thickness and extent of fog as it is feasible to see as far southwesterly as Point Loma on a clear day, and southerly to Santa Catalina Island. Such observations and reports have been made and forwarded without interruption to date. They have proven of incalculable value to the aviators making cross-country flights. The station on Mount Wilson is maintained through the coöperation of the Carnegie Institute of Washington.] [Illustration: FIG. 6. TYPE OF AIRPLANE USED IN 1911 ON NORTH ISLAND _Photographed October, 1911_ This photograph of Mr. Glenn Curtiss in his “pusher” airplane was made shortly after the Curtiss School of Flying was established in 1911, on North Island. At his right is Local Forecaster Carpenter. Comparison of this machine, which four years ago was the last word in airplanes, with the tractor shown on the opposite page, indicates the rapid progress in design.] [Illustration: FIG. 7. DISCUSSING A FLIGHT _Photographed October 18, 1915_ Aviation Instructor Oscar Brindley discussing a flight with Captain Clarke, U. S. A., and other officers at the U. S. Aviation School at San Diego.