Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1841 Excerpt:... Granite Peaks.--Devastation of an Avalanche.--Summit attained.--The Hospice; Travellers there,--Memorials.--First Sight of the Mer de Glace.--Prepare to descend upon it Alpine Plants.--Difficulty of the Descent.--Wonderful Effects of Sun and Cloud.--Granite Peaks.--Mont Blanc The Mer de Glace The Scene described; its Dangers.--Miraculous Preservation.--Mont Blanc; the Ascent made by a Frenchwoman.--Return to Cliamouny. My dear Brother, At St. Martin we put up at the inn called the Mont Blanc, a most delightfully situated and comfortable house, commanding a fine view of the mountain, after which it was named, and having in front of the upper story an open platform and gallery, where you may sit and enjoy the scene, and inhale the fresh air. The proprietor of the inn is a widow, the mother of several children: a very smart and civil waiter, dressed in a coat of the most fashionable cut, appeared to be the managing person in the business. There were not so many travellers in the house as we expected to find; but most persons, I believe, go to Sallenches in their way to Chamouny, a village not two miles distant from St. Martin, in the direction of the Dourou mountains. Safely arrived at the Hotel Mont Blanc, we ordered beds and an early supper, or rather a late dinner; and, whilst it was in preparation, walked down to the bridge, whence the "monarch of mountains" was seen with fine effect, towering above the river Arve and all the intermediate landscape. Here we talked over our plans for the next day, and felicitated ourselves on our singular good fortune in having such delightful weather for our journey. We had not yet been lett in our progress a single hour since we set out; whilst travellers are frequently delayed for days and weeks together by the heavy rai...