Page:Palestine Exploration Fund - Quarterly Statement for 1894.djvu/358

312 of the Proverbs, "It is he that went up towards Heaven and went down again." I believe Mr. Glaisher has solved many scientific problems, but he has done more, he has brought together the lovers of Palestine and he keeps them together, and it is because we owe him a boundless debt of gratitude that I propose that our most cordial thanks be given to him.

Admiral —I have great pleasure in seconding that motion. I quite endorse all that has been said of the efficiency of our worthy Chairman, and I think we are very happy in having such a staunch friend, a man of scientific acquirements, which are so conducive to the success of this Society.

The resolution having been heartily carried,

replied: Gentlemen, I thank you very much indeed for your appreciation. It certainly does stimulate one to do one's best—although I have done my best hitherto. I am getting old in years it is true, but I do not feel very old in my mental powers; when that time comes I shall resign at once, you may depend upon it. You know that I am older than Mr. Gladstone—I was born in the same year, but it was nine months before he was. It is true that I stand unique in respect to that ascent of seven miles in a balloon, but fresh problems are presenting themselves, and there is yet a great deal to be done in respect to the balloon. The Russian Government, I believe, will take it up; the German Government are taking it up earnestly, and only last month two professors called upon me to repeat the observations I made. England is too small a country for balloon experiments. I went down to Lord Wrottesley's place near Wolverhampton, in order to be in the centre of the country, and he said to me, "Mind where you are going—yon will be in the 'Wash' before you know where you are." We went right above the clouds and were very quickly over the "Wash," and had it not been for the breeze blowing on the land, we should have gone right into the water. That shows how difficult it is to conduct balloon experiments in this country. But the Germans are going at it in a systematic way, and it is very likely the experiments I have made may be repeated. I thank you very much indeed for coming here to-day. I long to know what is hidden below the ground at Jerusalem, and I hope that I may meet you all when some of these important discoveries have been made. There is one to whom I am very much indebted, and that is Sir Charles Wilson. He knows so much about Jerusalem, and has kindly undertaken to aid Mr. Bliss with his valuable advice and direction. I am sure that a Society surrounded by such earnest men cannot fail to do credit to itself, and to do good to the would at large.

The meeting then concluded.