In a recent interview at the Institute of Geographic Exploration, Major Albert W. Stevens, famous stratosphere flyer and explorer, U. S. Army Air Corps, announced that he cannot possibly undertake another stratosphere flight before 1939.

"We have no plans, only ambitions," he said. "It requires a year to got ready. Mechanically we can be prepared in four months, but even though most of the apparatus is privately furnished, we need the War Department's backing."

Can Go Two Miles Higher

Although Major Stevens went up 13 miles in his last stratosphere flight, he says that he can only go two miles higher. "Theoretically," he remarked, "it is possible to go 18 miles, but we can not promise more than 16."

"Our next balloon will probably be much larger," stated Major Stevens.

Actually, he is thinking of plans for another stratosphere fight, although he claims that he is "resting."

He emphasized that the scientists needed about a year to prepare for another such fight. "Now apparatus must be added and old apparatus must be redesigned," he said.

"What we need are municipal rinks," said Ross, gazing at the pictures of hockey greats, past and present, that lined the walls. "And perhaps we'll have them, some day."