The herald., 1893-12-20

block. Ii the only way to reach the
top OF either Of those buildings was by
climbing stairs, not many persons would
go there. II the buildings were made
twice their present height, and the
only access was by means of stairs, not
even free rent would gain tenants for
the topmost fats. But II more than a
dozen euch buildings were piled one on
top OF another the roof of the topmost
one would not be 60 high as the top of
that cliff in front of us; and here was
no elevator, nor even stairway made
sale by encasing walls.
Mr. Hunter led the way, Mr.. Skinner
next and his daughter followed him
the writer came next; the others kept
short distance apart. Difficult. and
even dangerous, as the climb appeared
to be, Mics Skinner never hincbed or
hesitated an instant; now, as on the
day before, che went bravely on and up
ward. At times it was necessary to
help each other from one ledge to the
top of another, too high to reach alone;
but the writer needed quite as much
help Of this kind as Miss Skinner. We
kept close to the snow, but were careful
not to set foot upon 1t. Frequent short
rests were taken, for climbing was very
toilsome and the altitude affected us
somewhat.
1t is always tantalizing climbing such
precipices. Each cliff above appears to
be the last; but as one after another is
climbed, others still are seen rising
higher. When the climber begins to
get very weary itseems as if the mount
ain were made like a telescope and
drawing out without end.
At last when the enow on our right had
narrowed till it WAS but few feet over
it, Mr.. Hunter dug steps and crossed to
the other eide. Then by helping each
other up over q few narrow lodges,
making together a lift of about 80 feet,
we got safely upon the top.
From where we then were steep
ridge extended on our left west about
quarter OF mile and there ended in
sharp peak. the summit of the mount
ain. Resting a few minutes we went
along the bottom OF this ridge about
half its length; from there snow field
extended to the end of the ridge and
upward to it's summit Just before
reaching the snow we climbed to the
top of the ridge and advanced along it.
The south side OF this ridge is sheer
precipice OF great depth ae already said,
the north side WAS covered with snow.
on loose blocks OF granite, placed like
coping on top of wall.
This was crossed with little difficulty,
and about half an hour after noon we
all stood upon the top of Mount Will
liameon. Hearty congratulations were
given to Mics Skinner by the whole
party; and only mountain climbers can
/ fully know how well the praise was de-
served and how bravely it as won.
All needed rest before any observa-
tion could be made of the surroundings.
Some of the party lay down upon the
rocks and at once went to sleep. After
a half hour OF rest all were refreshed
enough to examine tine prospect.
The crown OF the mountain ia dome
OF granite, not more than 80 yards across
one way and about 40 yards the other
way.
The first to reach the summit, John
son and SHREDDER, built there q monu-
ment of granite blocks, about eight feet
high, and in this placed a tin box con-
tanning a record of the date of their as-
cent and their names. Our party found
the box, and the writer made record
Of the names OF all present and the
/ date, which record WAS put in the box
with the rest. The box was then re-
placed in the monument and securely
covered TO protect the contents from in
| jury. All the records were found in
good condition.
Looking west from the summit of
williamson it was very clear why
Clarence King had failed to climb the
rlountain in 1864, and why, in his re-
port, he stated it could not be climbed.
From where we stood is sheer
/ nj nj O hvo
fill any mind with awe. We stood
gazing into that dark gulf in complete
silence. In such presence human be-
.ings feel 30 small; the power that
heaved on high these mighty masses is
so overwhelming, that words cannot
express the emotions excited in the
mind. just beyond this chasm the
| huge mass OF Mount Tyndal towers up.
and but little less PERCEPTIONS. From
| the top OF one peak to that of the other
in an air line, the distance is about one
mile; but to reach the summit of one
from the other would take two or three
days. hard climbing.
! Between the two mountains lies
little lake. Only about two acres OF
water in the center could be seen; all
the rest was covered with very thick
ice. 1t looked like great gem set in
! silver. About one mile south from
Williamson is another noble peak,
which MIR. Hunter and the writer had
climbed one year before. Being the
only ones who had ever climbed that
peak, we claimed and exercised the
right to bestow upon it name, and it
ia since known as Mount Barnard-a
title that will keep it known so long as
human beings are interested in the stars
or the records of Mount Hamilton ehall
be preserved.
Looking north, west and south from
Williamson, peak after peak towers up
until distinct outline is lost in the dis
tance. Snowfelds of great extent are
scattered all over the region. The def
milton of sublimity is given as a union
of the grand and terrible. Here these
elemente are found in their highest de.
gree; the scene must therefore be sub
lime.
The summit of Whitney is about
eight miles little east of south from
williamson. Sighting over spirit
level We estimated that Whitney is
about $50 feet the higher of the two. AS
Whitney is 15,0S7 feet above sea level,
this would make the altitude OF Will
iamson IA 837 feet above eea level.
We observed the eunlight had not the
rich, golden hue it has near sea level.
but was pale, as If the sun were par
TALLY eclipsed. The sun itself had
silver hue and appeared to have lost the