Five Weeks in a Balloon

I

The end of a much-applauded speech⁠—The presentation of Dr. Samuel Ferguson⁠—Excelsior⁠—Full-length portrait of the doctor⁠—A fatalist convinced⁠—A dinner at the Travellers’ Club⁠—Several toasts for the occasion.

There was a large audience assembled on the 14th of January, 1862, at the session of the Royal Geographical Society, No. 3 Waterloo Place, London. The president, Sir Francis M⁠⸺, made an important communication to his colleagues, in an address that was frequently interrupted by applause.

This rare specimen of eloquence terminated with the following sonorous phrases bubbling over with patriotism: