The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1874-02-10
2 INTERLAKEN. Switzerland.

/ dIOGI a. SStih III -SfOA IlCIS-S VI
snow, and barren rocks came to the
northern slope of the mountains, beau
tiful panorama lay before US. The road
| has been cut through the solid rock, uY
which the persistent mountain rose has
| climbed The little stream of an hour
ago had grown to imnence proportions,
androared ceaslessIy asst sdrged through
therocky caverns and down steep preci-
pices. The little pine trees were cling
ing to the rocks and creVices, far L p the
steep cliff until the rugged peak ecame
SO sharp and steep that even this noun
tain loving tree could climb no f. rther.
The sun had set at high noon, yet the
qniet gloom and shade only added to the
beauty We sat down, not to rest, but
by impulse, to drink in The surrounding
landscape, we recEned upon feathery
ferns and rich mountain moss that cush-
oned every rock and clothed in beauty
every stump and stone. We looked away
toward the valley below, over which a
mist was lowering, then it slowly rose
under the penetrating rays of the noon
day sun. Now the valley opened fully
before US, around US were wild rocks
and steep cliffs, away in the distant was
deep wooded glen of dark forest trees,
through which the peaceful river flowed
in solemn silence, how suddenly trans
formed from raging rushing cataract,
foaming among the rocks, to peaceful
placid river, flowing through quiet mead
ows green fields, by the side of which
little Swiss cottages cluster, everything
seemed there to smile with rich vegeta-
ton, while behind us rise the cold, rug
ged, snow capped mountains, the gla-
ciers shining with dazzling beauty I'M
der the bright sun.
On defending to the valley by a wind
ing zigzag route, two OF our party engag-
ed carriage, while the other three per-
sisted in walking, we had started out to
view Switzerland on foot, and so did not
propose to ride We were very tired
however before reaching Splez, where we
took the boat for Neuhaus, then the cars
for twenty minutes to this place. While
we were on Lake Thun, a small body of
water ten miles long and two wide, the
moon came up, again filing us with awe
at The charming sight, as it seemed to
rest upon the stern old battlements that
had stood the storms Of sixty centuries,
it cast silvery mantle over land and sea.
The hills were silvered, the Lake was sill
vered, the mountains were silvered and
just above the Lake silvery veil hoy
cred over the far distant waters, while
dark shadow seemed to preside over ALL
We forgot the loss of our supper, (the
boat came just as we we're sitting down
to the table at Spiez), ana our days
tramp, for the moment. The others
missed this which was well worth the
fatigue OF a week to enjoy.
We came into the place in a two story
car, which are quite common here, en-
aiding the traveller to get a better view
OF the country. / should like to write
of many things connected with this
place. We have spent several days in
making the usual excursions, and some
unusual ones, at least the time we got
on Lake Brienz in a gale with sail
boat / hope was unusual Oh it rained,
and how the wind blew, and how we
had to rum nearly all night against a
strong head wind and beating, driving
stTom. We went to see the celebrated
Giessbach falls, which consist of q
series OF cascades falling from rock to
rock in seven fearful leaps, distance OF
1850 feet The rich foliage of brilliant
green gave them an exquisite charm,
and l think [ never ate meal In more
picturesque spot than at the foot OF these
falls under the spreading branches Of a
great tree We could see them from the
very top where they leaped over the
rocks to the very base, where with a
long, loud bound they madly rush into
Lake Brienz.
Governor Beveridge and wife, from
Evanston, is stopping at one Of the
hotels here. [ sent hem my card twice
but both times they were out. How
should like to see some one from home,
on even get q letter. I will know who
my friends are when | get back. ] GER
tainly have but few if judge fyem the
letters [ receive.
We have Just spent another quiet Sab
bath day. [ went to a Scotch Presby-
terrain preaching, and heard most de-
| lightflI sermon. These mile stones
that God has placed along the high road
to tell us we are nearing the eternal city,
are especially appreciated here among
| the tail old mountains, where every day
is 50 full of exciting pleasure, that we
have 10 time for thought or silent med
itatoa.