When the astronomers next announce an exceptionally brilliant display of the Leonids, for the sake of the balloonists who make elaborate and costly preparations, it is to be hoped they will be more accurate in their calculations. The spectacle of seven shooting stars is in itself scarcely worth such a risk to life and limb as the Eev. J. M. Bacon experienced in his ascent in search of the meteors. But the scientific observer gains fresh experience from every journey he makes into the upper strata of the atmosphere, and probably Mr. Bacon has accumulated a sufficient number of facts to repay him for the suspense and discomfort endured.

The ascent was made under exceptional circumstances. Mr. Bacon, his courageous daughter, and Mr. Stanley Spencer, entrusted themselves to a valveless balloon; for if we accept the term valve in its legitimate sense, the arrangement provided for ripping open the top of the balloon and letting the gas out once and for all cannot be called a valve.