The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-03-14
A Teacher Abroad.

Under this head "F. +. r." has been
writing in the Rural Home a series of let
tiers from Europe. This, the last, is dat
ed at Lausanne, Lake Leman:
suppose you are waiting to hear about
our Alpine climbing2 When We woke at
Ghaumonix, it WAS raining, and we half
expected to wait day or two for pleasant
weather. But, fortunately for us, it soon
cleared, and we had good view of Mt.
Blanc, the third and highest of three white
peaks. A fresh layer of snow had fallen
in the night, and the great masses were
pure and soft in the morning sun. We
looked at them through telescope, seeing
people with flag on the glacier. After
ward learned that party were seen on the
summit earlier. The ascent of the mount
Ain itself is very seldom made, beng
perilous and costly in the extreme. This
is the fourth ascent of the season. Only
three ladies have ever reached the sum
nit; one of these, it is said, caused her
self to be raised upon the shoulders of
her guides, that she might attain greater
height than any of her predecessors.
We started about ten o'clock for the
Mer de Glace, having first tucked up our
dresses, donned wsterproofs and rubbers,
and hired slpenstocks and guide. AT the
hotel the chambermaid offered to sell
as some coarse socks to draw on
over our shoes. We found them very
useful to prevent slipping on the ice, and
also cutting from the sharp rocks. The
sun was intensely warm, and we soon
laid aside all superfluous wraps, and
al
fatigue. | told C it reminded me of
the climb up our river bank at home
from the landing. Uncle had been over
the ground before, so felt he was max
ing great sacrifice to give us the pleas
ore, as he grew very tired from the ex-
ertion. Many ride mules up the mount
ain, but we preferred walking, and were
glad of our choice when We saw what
bard riding it seemed to be.
When half way up, We were joined by
two Welsh gentlemen, who proved to be
pleasant companions, and have been with
us considerably since. We took our climb
more leisurely, picking wild strawberries
and bluebells, and felt little fatigued
when we reached the chalet which marked
the highest point of our route, though
the mountain. After resting and taking
lunch, We began to descend to the glacier
bed over very rough path. You remem-
Der the picture of the Mer de Glace in Tyn-
dsll's "Forms of Wateri" We saw exact
Iy the same river, and it is truly grand,
the great river of ice flanked by lofty
mountains.
The sight of the debris and boulders is
wonderful and interesting, showing the
action of the ice, which is more rapid
than | supposed, making great changes
every year. The glacier is much lower
than when Uncle saw IT. seven years ago.
At last We stood upon the ice and gazed
into the blue crevasses, whose depths
gave no answer when We questioned them
with stones, though We could hear the
rushing of subterranean , streams. We
young people did not find it sufficiently
terrible and perilous to satisfy Us, but en-
loved drinking from the pure, crystal
rivulets on its surface, and tasting the ice.
In one place We had to cross q narrow
bridge of ice, where misstep would have
caused our destruction.
After crossing the ice the real danger
begins. hochs iTeY uentIy iail, anu ouf
guide advised US to keep together and
hasten. Here We could see wonderful
forms of ice and rocks, grand peaks tow
eriag above US, and lovely cascades fall
ing near our path. l gathered speci-
mems of all the flowers, Alpine roses, blue.
bells and several delicate little blossoms
strsnge to me. / wanted an edelweiss,
but they are very rare. Soon We reached
the Mauvias Pas where steps are cut in
the face of the rock, and an iron rail
along its face alone insured our safety. We
had bright warm day, but | trembled
10 think what that walk must be in fog
and rain.
The lower part of the glacier assumes
most fantastic forms, perfectly impass-
able. We heard occasional rumblings as
masses of rock gave way before stream
sssking an outlet. The descent to the
valley was easy, and we there strsck the
broad, smooth road, and walked good
four miles at lively pace, hardly feeling