In the year 1785 Blanchard lowered dogs and other animals from a balloon by means of a parachute, and a few years later he himself made a descent. It was, however, reserved for Mr. Garnerin in 1797, to make the first descent which attracted public attention. Ascending i a hydrogen balloon to a height of 2000 feet, he cut himself adrift and descent in perfect safety. He afterwards made equally successful descents, both in France and London.