The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-12-19

| said afforded the superior view. we iouho
the Hotel Rigi- Kuhn not only comfortable.
but luxurious in its appointments. Three
magnificent apartments en- suite, for con-
versatlon, music and reading. gorgeousiy
upholstered in crimson, oraEge and green :;
halls and dining rooms, filled with mirrors,
frescoes and flowers. Above all. oficials and
servants dressed in genuine Swiss costume,
and speaking patois which even our most
pretentious linguist declined to venture.
Mount Rigi is by no means one OF the
highest OF the Alpine peaks, tits altitude is
estimated at nearly six thousand feet above
sea leyel,) but it stands alone, detached,
consequently commands view on every
| side. unrivaled in extent and variety. Lakes
by the dozen, towns whose houses seem but
toys from this height, cultivated grounds
looking like variegated patchwork, valleys
in mld-air, and the glittering, snowy sum-
mits of the great Alpine chain stretching
along the horizon. With such panorama
spread before US, while we stand ''above the
noise and dust Of this dim spot called earth"
heart and brain receive impressions that
will not, cannot depart while life lasts. IL
is possible this world may be able to fur
nish vision of more bewildering loneliness,
but doubtless it has not been seen.
Some of the weaker minds, or rather the
weaker sex, were overpowered, aud very char
acterstically found relief in tears. How were
they to live through the sunset, and survive
the Alpine afterglow?
Fortunately, or providentially clouds and
shower OF rain interfered with the bril-
liancy of the suns departing rays. damper-
ing tic ardor of the enthusiasts, and driv-
ing them within doors to brace their nerves
for the climacteric-the ne plus ultra-yet
in the prospective. Proclamation was made
to the effect that the tones and echoes OF an
Alpine Horn would arouse all sleepers at
three O'Clock next morning to witness ma
lures grandest di>plav-sunrise on the
Alps. A notice conspicuously posted in
-rn languages" politely requested the oc
cupants o refrain from wrapping themselves
in the bed coverings on leaving their cham
bars. otherwise small fine would be ex
acted.
No Hotel fire alarm ever called forth o
more excited, Heterogeneous astlrtd crowd
than rushed into the corridors of the Rigi-
Kuhn at the first sweet notes from the
Ranz Des Vaches. Distinct parties OF tour
| lists mingled pell-ine!l, and it was observed
that the ladies. especially, showed prefer
ence for the society of strangers, and avoid
ed recognition 10y their friends. Riyi's sum
nit was soon occupied by small army OF
untidy, impatient. shivering sky-gazers.
Very ei>urely the shadows Disappeared
1.-THE saffron tnts of morn appear
And glow across the blushing East,
The brilliant orb Of day Is near
but alas does not ''dissipate The lingering
mist - For some minutes the uncomforta
ble early risers are In q state of sublime dis
gust pronounce the whole thing fraud
the Wanted Alpine Horn an impulent in
truder; and the chilling temperature unbear
able. But all this is happily changed when
the ''gorious lamp shone forth radiantly
and s.al the horizon round invested with
bright rays" All then there was more
than ''passive praise" from each human soul,
| land all the fair and beautiful forms of ma
ture, had voice OF eloquent W, rs ip!'
This surely is the spot OF earth nearest to
Heaven. Shall we be able to descend this
mount? How can we come down to familiar,
practical surroundings?
| This question was shortly answered by the
summons to breakfast, when no one stood
upon the order Of his going, but went-im-
mediately. TOURIST.