Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-11-02

A very interesting lecture on "The
Ascent of the Matterhorn" was deliv-
cred at Milligan, Wilkin & Co.'S music
store last evening by Miss Annie S.
Peck, of Providence. R. I. Quite a
number of people were present and all
seemed to thoroughly appreciate the
remarks. Miss Peck, having spent a
good part of her life in mountainous
regions, both in the new and old
worlds, very clearly explained the art
of mountain climbing in an exceedingly
entertaining manner. To more lucidly
illustrate the subject, some excellent
stereopticon views of the mountains
of which she spoke were shown to good
effect during the lecture.
Miss Peck, after few Introductory
remarks, gave a rather lengthy ac-
count of her travels through different
countries, during which she described
many of the high mountains of the
world, principally as to the atmos-
pheric conditions by which they are
surrounded and the nature of the soil.
The speaker pointed out the different
mountains whose heights she had
scaled, saying: mo one who is subject
to dizziness should attempt to climb a
mountain, especially the Matterhorn
in Switzerland. One unaccustomed to
Notwithstanding makes the ascent
with the assistance of guides, one at
his rear and the other in front of him,
is wound around the waist of the
novice. The custom of the guides is
to wait about four days after a snow
fall before making an ascent, as such
time is required to 1c1der conditions
favorable. Rains render rocky noun
tains dangerous for one to climb for
weeks at time, as the rocks become
slippery" She then told Of how she
assembled the Matterhorn, saying that
it was made under favorable condi-
tions. Her wearing apparel, she ex-
planned, consisted of canvas knicker-
bockers, canvas leggings, sweater
worn over a serge waist, hat of duck
canvas, with broad brim that might be
turned up or down at will, and boots,
to the soles of which were fastened
sharp-pointed nails. Continuing she
said: cit required about twenty hours
for me to travel from the base of the
summit of the Matterhorn. which is
4,705 feet high. | always wear skirt
over my knickerbockers when ascend
ing until [ reach the bounds where
civilization ceases to exist. Usually
two days are required to climb high
mountains. In some of my mountain
travelling / have worn black wooden
cap, having only small openings
through which to see and to breathe,
and have felt extremely comfortable
about the head in the strongest gales.
Matterhorn is sublime to some, to 9TH
ers, repellant, and many find pleasure
and satisfaction in viewing the noun
tain from a distance. | assembled the
Matterhorn by means of rope tied
around my waist and was assisted by
two guides, each holding an end of the
rope My greatest fear was that the
guides might lose their footing. What
is to be feared most in mountain climb
ing is the falling of st--.es from above,
which often become loosened suddenly.
Many women climbers do not approve
of wearing skirts while climbing for
the reason that they add much to their
danger and discomfort. Some are
overcome by a snow storm while at
the summit, making the descent peril
GUS" In conclusion. Miss Peck told
several amusing and interesting stor-
les concerning her meeting with resi-
dents at the mountain resorts and her
many mountain climbs.
Miss Peck. in an interview, after
the lecture, stated that she had ascend
ed Mount OriZava. in Mexico, which
is 1860 feet high, and that it was
the highest climb ever made by a
woman.