Madam Blubber's last shift, or, The aerostatic dilly [graphic].

"The piazza of Covent Garden, with the hustings, showing a line of hill in the distance inscribed 'View of Richmond Hill'. In the air, flying towards the hustings, is Mrs. Hobart encased from the waist downwards in a circular balloon to which is attached a hammock-like platform, on which lie two voters, face downwards, looking over the side. The lady, in profile to the left, looking upwards, excessively fat, with uncovered breast, is saying "This may save him"; her petticoats have been transformed into the balloon, her 'last shift'. A blast issues from her posteriors. One of her passengers in profile to the left holds out his hand, saying, "I see the Hustings". The other, facing in the opposite direction, says, "thank God I am an outside Passenger". A flock of birds scatters right to left of the balloon. Wray, kneeling on one knee, and Hood standing behind him (right) look up eagerly to the balloon, holding out their hands. Wrays says, "A foul wind is fair for us"; Hood says, "O come sweet Air Balloon or I must off in one". The hustings under the portico of St. Paul's are freely sketched; gesticulating orators, hat in hand, address the crowd. One of the houses on the right (north) side of the piazza is inscribed 'Lows'; a flag flies from a window."--British Museum online catalogue