A voyage in a balloon

The story begins with a group of friends discussing the possibility of traveling in a balloon. They are inspired by recent advancements in balloon technology and decide to embark on an adventurous journey.
The main character and narrator of the story, Dr. Fergusson, is a scientist and aeronaut. He is joined by his friends, Dick Kennedy and Samuel Ferguson (not to be confused with the author Jules Verne). Together, they plan to take a hot air balloon on an ambitious voyage.
The balloon, named the Victoria, is filled with hydrogen gas, and the journey takes them across the French countryside. They encounter various challenges, including changes in altitude, unpredictable weather conditions, and the need to manage their limited supplies of gas and provisions.
As the adventure unfolds, the travelers witness breathtaking landscapes and experience the thrill of exploration from the sky. The story captures the excitement and wonder of early balloon travel.