Balloon (1) (The)
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X:1
T:Bolloon (sic), The
M:C|
L:1/8
R:Strathspey
S:McGlashan - Reels (c. 1786)
Z:AK/Fiddler's Companion
K:A
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B/c/d/c/ d/c/B/A/ B>A F2|A<EA<c B>ABc|e<c B>c A/A/A A2||
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The strathspey "The Balloon" in McGlashan's 1786 collection perhaps refers to the first documented balloon ascent on British soil, in Edinburgh in August, 1784. A correspondent to the London Journal submitted this eyewitness account:
Edinburgh, Aug. 27, 1784.
Mr. Tytler has made several improvements uponhis fire balloon. The reason of its failure formerly was its being madeof porous linen, through which the air made its escape. To remedythis defect, Mr. Tytler has got it covered with a varnish to retain theinflammable air after the balloon is filled.
Early this morning this bold adventurer tookhis first aerial flight. The balloon being filled at Comely Garden,he seated himself in the basket, and the ropes being cut he ascended veryhigh and descended quite gradually on the road to Restalrig, about halfa mile from the place where he rose, to the great satisfaction of thosespectators who were present. Mr. Tytler went up without the furnacethis morning; when that is added he will be able to feed the balloon withinflammable air, and continue his aerial excursions as long as he chooses.
Mr. Tytler is now in high spirits, and in histurn laughs at those infidels who ridiculed his scheme as visionary andimpracticable. Mr. Tytler is the first person in Great Britain whohas navigated the air.
__NORICHEDITOR__