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Marion, F. (Fulgence)

"Wonderful Balloon Ascents"


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.
"(1) 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.

Chapter V. First Aerial Voyage in England--Blanchard Crosses the
Sea in a Balloon.


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