I should like to preface what I am about to say with a word of explanation for the title of the present paper. The title was chosen for me by your much respected Secretary, and I merely acquiesce. The title has a charm for me, realizing how important it is for the elucidation of the many problems held in keeping for us by our atmosphere, that full advantage should be taken of balloon ascents, wherever and whenever opportunity offers, for enhancing our knowledge of the ocean of air at the base of which we live and move. Considering how popular ballooning has been now for more than a century, it is surprising how few of the ascents have been made for really scientific purposes and how few have yielded scientific results.