Sharp County record., 1883-09-13
4 LEAP FOR LIFE.


When l was a young fellow, now
many years ago, | frequently spent part
of nv vacations with an uncle. who
lived in a beautiful part of Wales, and
whose house was only mile or two
from the coast--in that neighborhood,
very wild and precipitous, and remark
able for the peculiar character OF the
strata of which many of the wave and
weather-beaten cliffs were composed.
MY uncle was a keen geologist, and had
imbued me with some of MS own inter-
est in the subect and many a long and
pleasant ramble we had together, armed
with our little hammers and specimen
cases; sometimes starting directly after
breakfast, and remaining absent till the
evening, either carrying our simple
luncheon with us, or adjourning for re-
freshment to some humble village hos
telry, when such happened to be within
easy reach.
These were pleasant days. [ often
look back to them now, when | an an
elderly gentleman, subject to gout and
rheumatism, and tied for most of the
week to dmgy office in the city. But
they were very nearly being brought to
an abrupt conclusion by an incident
that occurred during one of our more
distant excursions; and as the relation
of this incident commentaries a rare
Instance of combined pluck, presence of
mind and heroic self-sacrifce, do not
think need any further excuse for en-
tering upon the details connected with
it. Few people are ever likely to be
placed in a similar position; should,
however, such an occasion arise, let us
hope they may not be found wanting in
ability to follow SO admirable an eX-
ample.
During one of my visits to my uncle,
he had at the same time as guests two
professional geologistS of some emil
nence, who had heard of the special fa-
cilites the neighborhood afforded for
the pursuit of their favorite science, and
had had some correspondence with my
uncle on the subject, which resulted in
their receiving an invitation from my
hospitable relative to come to his house
and Judge of the matter for themselves.
This invitation was accepted, and the
biologists arrived; two very pleasant
well-infOrmed men, between whom and
my uncle very interesting and ami
mated conversation speedily ensued, in
which the terms "granitic DEBRIS"
''boulder clay" "newer formations. y"
% dip of the strata" were freel y ban
died about in a manner very edifying to
listen to, if not altogether ineligible to
the majority of their hearers.
For the first day or two we contented
ourselves with showing the strangers
the features of scientific interest more
Immediately in the vicinity; and with
these they were greatly gratified. But
my uncle was anxious that they should
inspect district some miles off, pecul-
iarly rich in specimens, and which he
had himself visited several years be-
fore, but never since | had been the
companion of his expeditions; therefore
1t was new to me as well as to our
guests. Everything was arranged for
our start; and we set off after an early
breakfast, driving the first portion Of
the distance, and putting up our trap
at farmhouse. to await our return
while we pursued the remainder Of ouy
excursion on foot. It was an exquisite
day; and as we walked along the cliffs
here of very remarkable height and
magnifcence we indulged in loud eX-
preSsions of admiration at the beauty
of the scenery, the bold line Of coast
stretching away for miles on each side,
the tremendous precipices descending
sheer to the blue waters that Tapped
tlie:f 77e; 4 here se asad thare hrnknn
by some jagged and pointed rocks, that
threatened rapid destruction to any un-
! fortunate vessels which should be cast
upon them.
Our expedition was q great success.
Many rare specimens of different fos-
sis were added to our collections, and
my uncle was much gratitied that his
aXertioDS for the entertainment OF his