Page:Wonderful Balloon Ascents, 1870.djvu/151

Rh diameter, made expressly at Lyons of unbleached silk, coated within and without with india-rubber. This globe sustains a ship, which contains or has attached to it all the things necessary for the convenience, the observations, and even the pleasures of the voyagers.

"(a) A small boat, in which the passengers might take refuge in case of necessity, in the event of the larger vessel falling on the sea in a disabled state.

"(b) A large store for keeping the water, wine, and all the provisions of the expedition.

"(cc) Ladders of silk, to enable the passengers to go to all parts of the balloon.

"(e) Closets.

"(h) Pilot's room.

"(l) An observatory, containing the compasses and other scientific instruments for taking the latitude.

"(g) A room fitted up for recreations, walking, and gymnastics.

"(m) The kitchen, far removed from the balloon. It is the only place where a fire shall be permitted.

"(p) Medicine room.

"(v) A theatre, music room, &c.

"— The study.

"(x) The tents of the air-marines, &c. &c."

This balloon is certainly the most marvellous that has ever been imagined—quite a town, with its forts, ramparts, cannon, boulevards, and galleries. One can understand the many squibs and satires which so Utopian a notion provoked.