Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1841-01-28

sled, and Mr. A. on the third. For an hour and .
NAH we proceeded rising and rising up success
sion OF zigzag terraces, deeply impressed BY
the awful grandeur of the scenery, being entirely
above the most stinted vegetation, the clouds roll
ling IN the distance below us-and above, granite
crags rising in all directions, almost perpendcu-
arly to heights of from five hundred to near three
thousand feet, and above their snow caps, the
clouds, the clear blue sky, and the sun in its
meridian splendor
Thus were with solemn awe enjoying
the spectacle which presented below, around
and above us, when by succession of slumps in
the deep snow under our feet, my horse became
SO frightened and embarrassed to stagger to-
ward and plunge headlong off the precipice in
spite of the efforts of his guide. cleared myself
of the sled in good time and fortunately the sled
caught the top of one of the stone posts, which
were placed on that side of the road for the pro-
lection of travellers, but were covered with snow,
and with the baggage prevented from going
off, while the horse fell headlong 40 or SO feet
before lodging in the snow, and could only be
saved by tumbling and rolling him down the re-
mainder of the precpce from two to three hun
dred feet to the bed of stream when to on,
establishment, he was found able to walk. and in
less than two hours was again tackled to his sled,
and we were proceeding on our way. This was
aperiod of painful suspense, to turn about was
impossible, and to proceed seemed exceedingly
hazardous but our conductors seemed courageous
and committing ourselves to the protection Of
Providence. we proceeded, and in about five
hours from the time of starting in safety and with
deep emotions, reached the summit. It was foue
o'clock P M. when started from Hospice to
descend on the other side, which is even moro
precptous, but we were encouraged to believe
that it was less incumbered with snow and lssa
difficult, we found it to be, and by o'clock
we were safely belowthe snow clad regions and
at comfortable Inn for the night. In descend.
ing the mountain this day to Airolo and the fol-
lowing to Faido and thence down the valley Of
the Tessin, we passed down from the region of
Snow and naked granite to that of Spruce, next
came the Chestnut and some other variety of,rees
and in "a few leagues we came to the cultivation OF
the Mulberry, and in short distance farther to
that of the Vine, being still in the Swiss canton Of
Tessin or Ticina.
After leaving Airolo We passed for about mile
through wild and picturesque glen called "Vai
Bedretto,' at each end of which is perched in
ms, one of the ancient Lombard towers This pae.
was in September 1880 defended by body OF
six hundred French against three thousand gren-
adlers of n Russian army under Snwarrow for
twelve hours, after which, they effected their
treat In short distance we came to a still more
stupendons gorge, aud for mile at least the
widest of the whole route. 1t is a rent in mount
Piottino' whose sides rise to the height Of many
hundred feet, sometimes perpendicular, at others,
bang entirely over the road, and then reced-
more or less. while the carriage path threads its
way along the gorge at perpendicular elevation
Of from fifty to one hundred feet above the Tessin
supported great part of the way on terraces and
arches constructed with vast difficulty and ex.
pense, and thrice crossing the river The rushing
waters of this mountain torrent, here crowded in
to very narrow space, foamed, tumbled and rap.
ed with the most impetuons vehemence, and u
little farther down we came to place where tho
strongest mason work, had, in September last,
proved unable TO stand against their violence
For about two miles most of the road had been
swept away with several stone bridges and we
were obliged to descend into the bed of the river
and follow a temporary road which traversed the
margin of the subsidized waters.
Previous to this, the surface of the mountains
had presented nothing but " snow cast" granite
crags, or scattered Spruce trees, but here as be-
low Hospital on the other side, Chestnut trees be-
gan to appear in abundance.
am aware that | shall fail to give YOU any ad
equate impression of the terrible grandeur of this
Alpine region, and if it were not for strong de-
sire TO give some idea of it, should be restrained
from the attempt.
For near two days travel over the higher par.
of st. Goddard, the scenery is rather terrific and
appalling than beautiful, and the mind become.
oppressed and terror stricken while confined to
the contemplation of this region /; but by dwelling
on, and studying the whole region of the Alpson
connecting with the more desoiate, the yalies,
the lakes, the innumerable cascades, cultiv ated
spots, cottages groves, &c, the mind becomes
filled with delight while awed with conscious
ness of the presence of Him whose providence hss
not only given birth to nature, but by gradual
processes, is constantly reducing her most rugged
features and turbulent elements to condition
suited to the support and habitation of man.
The Alps, like Niagara, must be studied in all
their relations to the elements above, upon and
below them, and to the beautiful fields and re.
gions filled with inhabitants, which their debris
had formed and is constantly extending, to be on