584 EXTRAORDINARY BALLOON ASCENT. 
establishment in London had written him word that the 
Royal Society for Prevention of Ci'uelty to Animals had given their 
sanction. 
Mr. Thomas denied that any permission had been given 
by them. 
Mr. Thomas wanted to know whether, on one occasion, 
a horse of his did not bleed at the nostrils after an ascent. 
M. Poitevin said he did slightly, but was uninjured, and 
ate directly afterwards; but this was owing to the altitude of 
the balloon. 
In answer to an inquiry from Mr. Arnold, M. Poitevin said 
that it depended upon the rapidity of the descent as to the 
heat or coolness of the body. 
Mr. Arnold: If you are cool on ascending, when you have 
descended, have you found yourself in a violent perspiration ? 
—M. Poitevin : No. 
Mr. Arnold directed the officer to examine the ponies, 
which had now been standing four or five hours in the court¬ 
yard, in order to ascertain whether it was the bandages and 
slings that had heated them. 
Sergeant Underhill returned, and said they were very cool 
and comfortable. 
Madame Poitevin confirmed her husband’s account. 
Mr. Gillingham, a veterinary surgeon, in practice for four¬ 
teen years, is asked: Have you seen the manner in which the 
horses were harnessed and attached to the balloon while 
ascending?—I have. In your judgment, would they suffer 
from injury or terror, while being so strapped?—I should 
say not. Then the questions were asked about compression, 
and congestion, and extravasation, to all of which he gave a 
negative. If there had been an extravasation in the peri¬ 
toneal lining of the abdomen, would the ponies have been 
well ?—I should say, “ certainly not.” I examined them 
yesterday, and they were in a perfectly healthy state. 
Mr. Hall, a veterinary surgeon, in extensive practice for 
fifteen years, after corroborating Mr. Gillingham as to com¬ 
pression, congestion, and extravasation, is asked:—Have you 
heard the evidence given by M. Poitevin, with regard to the 
ascent and descent?—-Yes. Have you seen the horses har¬ 
nessed, and the mode in which they are affixed to the car of 
the balloon?—Yes. In your judgment, taking all the cir¬ 
cumstances into consideration, do horses suffer pain, torture* 
or injury, from that mode of transit through the air ?—“ Cer¬ 
tainly notI have had a horse for seven years in a sling. 
Mr. Arnold said he should reserve his decision in this case 
sine die , but would communicate with the parties when he 
