France, the country where the balloon was invented, owing to the genius of its people and the liberality and foresight of its Government, still keeps the lead over other nations in Aëronautics, and it is to Paris that we must look in order to find out how the problem of Aërial Navigation has been treated.

In the year 1884 the most important experiment which has taken place in Aëronautics since the invention and first ascension of the balloon was made near Paris. A fish–shaped balloon, fitted with a screw driven by electricity, and with a rudder, ascended at Meudon; and for the first time in history with intent to effect it, actually returned to and descended at the place from which it had started. This balloon was the one manned by MM. Renard and Krebs, and represents at present the highest point to which the science of Aërial Navigation has attained.