The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-05-24

views almost invariably oDscufed Dy clouds.
But the tramps through the valleys, and over
and about the less ambitious heights, along
the dry bed of former glistening streams, an
occasional scramble across an impeding ice
gorge, is exciting enough for most amateur
walkers. 1t is unnecessary to overdo; for
there are plenty of short excursions to train"
in. and in the elixir of the Alpine air it is
possible to accomplish, absolutely unfar
tigued, what on lower level, and in
moist atmosphere, would be completely
exhausting. Chamounix is an admir-.
able base for excursions, although
it is also conventional enough to be ap
preached by diligence over an excellent road
from Geneva. Then Interlaken, with the
endless opportunities ofthe Bernese Overland
within easy distance, and Meiringen, in the
midst of the glaciers, and Samarden, the key
to the lovely Engadine, and the dozens of
points that rise in mind at the thought of q
summer tramp in the Alpine Republic. All
that is needed for trip of this kind is fair
degree of health. keen enjoyment of outdoor
life, stout shoes, simple, tough garments. an
alpenstock and abundance of good temper,
the last the most needful of all. Luggage
can always be sent ahead to meet one at &C
cessible points, and this tedious responsibility
of ordinary travel be thus avoided
1t is the writer's observation that where
women once taste of the pleasures Of pedes-
trianism, they become to the full as enthusi-
astic in its enjoyment as men, while its effect
upon their health is quite remarkable. Dur
ing some experience in Switzerland it was
noticed that of the few women walkers the
Americans invariably showed higher ''tone,"
and exhibited more staying power" than
the women of any other nationality, not ex-
cepting the English, who have long been
counted supreme as foot-women. The pecu-
liar elasticity of the American temperament
appears to be physical, no less than mental,
and produces quality of ''go" which more
phlegmatic natures do not have.
These few suggestions have so overfowed
their allotted space that there is no chance
to mention a horseback or walking
tour through the Black forest, the anus
ing monotony of trechschuit trip on
a Dutch canal, or a cross-country
drive through Norway, in addition to the
famous sea trip to the North Cape. All these
have their special attractions, and no one
need fear sameness in a European vacation
who viii give little thought to its POSSIBLE
ties of variation. The great difficulty Of
most travellers in most countries is that they
take no pains before they start to inform
themselves, either through the study of
guide or independent research, con-
corning what they want, and want not to see
and do, and when, where and how they car
see and do it. Hence, upon transatlantic az
rival, they find themselves hampered by a
childish ignorance, and in order to save thair
time and temper resign themselves to the
most frequented routes and largest centres.
A little provision, and very limited knowl-
edge of foreign tongues makes it possible to
enjoy the pleasure of being an explorer in
the heart of civilization.
MARGARET ANTHoN.