The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-07-24

green trees very near. We stopped there
about fifteen minutes, then took the tram
down again. We all experienced that
curious feeling in the head and ears which
people have when ascending mountains, but
it soon passed away. We found Mrs. w.
feeling better and in few minutes took the
boat for Fluelen at the other end of the
lake. Lucerne is at one end and Fluelen at
the other. We did this simply for the ride
and view; did not stop but came right back,
reaching Lucerne about o'clock. A pretty
long day of 1t, you see. We saw peasant
girls in their curious costumes, and many
Swiss bOatmen. Tuesday morning l went
with Miss j. to see the famous Lion of Luz
cerne, which was only short walk from the
hotel. You know the lion is carved out of
an immense rock. Below il is lovely little
pond, with swans swimming around, and
where we sit to look it Is regular glen; so
fresh and cool it seemed that hot morning
that we hated to leave-had to do so how
ever. Miss j. left us in the afternoon to
join friends in Geneva and expects to join
us again in Munich and go with us to Paris.
Wednesday we left Lucerne and were glad
to get away, for it was so very hot and the
hotel was not as comfortable as we liked.
Well, Wednesday we were in the most
magnificent scenery in the world-St. Goth
ards Pass-and went through the great tun-
mel and about two hundred shorter ones.
Oh! how grand. 1t was right in the noun
tains; sometimes on one side of you would
he great steep snow mountain with num-
berless little streams trickling down its side,
gittering and flashing in the brilliant sun
light, while on the other in u ravine would
be great torrent of water, rushing boiling
over its rocky bed you could see where the
snow ended and the water began i'm many
places. 1t was such a scOrching day that
the sound of the roaring torrents was most
refreshing, and oh, how lovely it ali was. At
some places we would pass over great iron
bridges thrown from one cliff to another and
look hundreds Of feet down at river Or
mountain torrent, which seemed like "a
silvery thread. 1t is impossible to write
about it; perhaps | can express il to you
better In spoken than written words; suffice
1t to say that in spite of the circumstances.
Mrs. W feeling so very i'll and the terrible
heat, enjoyed this ride through Switzer-
land better than all the beauties of art |
have seen, the ocean and its various beauties
in fact 1t surpassed everything have ever
seen or am likely to see, i'm its grandeur
and noble beauty. We entered Italy about
three o'clock and changed cars at Belezona;
reached. LOcariO about 4:30 and were driven
to a most elegant hotel OH the Lake Mag
giore. We all felt very tired and got to rest
as soon as we could.
We took the boat on Lake Maggiore at
9:45 Thursday morning, and were on that
lovely sheet of water nearly all day, till
about 4:30 p. m. We had delightful day.
much more comfortable than on the Swiss
lake. | am all the time, while trying to tell
you about these things mentally "kicking
myself as the boys say, that you'cannOt see
them, or at least bring before your minds
some OF their wondrous beauties. But it is
no good; can only make an attempt, which
10 myself, as l have seen with my own
eyes, is only an aggravatiOn. Lake Mag
gore is most fascinating, romantic body of
water. Italian villages and towns are scat
.ered along its banks very close together,
md high hills and mountains on both sides.
The Italian town, docks, etc., looked just
ike pictures have seen. / will try TO de-
'crlbe one of many, Strelza, where we wait
I'd two hours for another boat. A floor Of
white stone, slanting from the waters edge.
o the street above; stone wall about three
eet in height closing in the pier where the
passengers land, another floor OF stone
enced off with another stone wall; this is
where the people promenade and stand to
watch the boats come in. Half way up the
stone walk stands donkey harnessed to
art on two wheels, waiting patiently in the.
sun for cargo boat to come in. Up the
steep incline come brown, dirty Italians,
pushing cart with some luggage OH top,
making great clamor. When you reach
he top there is a small shed which is called
''depot;" about two dozen curious shaped
trees, bare trunks and round masses Of
foliage at the top; under these are stone
benches and in few minutes most of them
are occupied by the stragglers and Those
who help about the docks. Some lay full
length and sleep. Across the road are shops;
is white and deserted. / say
white; mean stone, and oh how dirty these
Italians are. We waited for the boat in
garden on the lake, and was interested
most OF the time watching some Italian
women wash. They bring board to rest
heir knees on and a slantipg board In front
10 rest the clothes on, place it at the waters
edge and do their washing; have soap, most
Of them, rub and scrub, then spread the
,lean(?) clothes on the sands to dry, fasten-
ing them down with stones 1t was very
amusing. We got to Vausse about o'clock
Left the boat at $3.50 and took the train the
rest of the day. The hotel there was
regular palace with most beautiful gardens,
ibOunding in magnolia and lemon trees.
The hotels residences, etc. in Italy are en-
closed by high stone walls and entered by
ron doors. lt seems very strange to me.
Friday morning at seven o'clock we took a,
carriage for Porta Polenzza; enjoyed the
ride through the country and several viii
ages so much. We had to wait in the car
rage nearly half an hour for the boat. This
little town is on Lake Lucarow, and dirty
little place, no trees all white stone and oh
so filthy. Some women were washing their
clothes in the water, and some their babies.
We took the boat and were on the lake.
which was very pretty, until noon, then
took the train and went short distance to
Lake Como. Arrived at Como about
o'clock, after delightful trip. The scenery
was most beautiful although l think Lake
Maggiore was the most enhancing. 1t was
dainty, in way l cannot explain.
Distance lends enchantment to almost all
his Italian beauty. If you get too near.
you are likely to have your nose offended by
the smells and your eyes by the filthiness of
The people.
i wish you could see this lovely villa. 1t
Is long distance from Como, right on the
lake. The gardens are wonderful and IL Is
a mammoth hotel. We have lovely large
rooms and are enjoying the rest.