ORGAN MOUNTAINS. 487 
bedded in the soil. Many of these boulders were clothed 
in soft, thick reindeer moss, so like the reindeer moss of the 
Arctics that, if specifically distinct, the difference could not 
be detected except by the most careful examination. It 
suggests the question whether there are any representatives 
of the tropical flora among the lichens and pines of the 
high north. As we advanced, the character of the vegeta- 
tion changed considerably, and we began to feel, by the in- 
creasing freshness of the air, that we were getting into 
higher regions. The near view became more beautiful as 
we approached the heart of the mountains, coming under 
the shadow of their strange peaks, which looked sharp and 
attenuated from a distance, but changed into wonderful 
masses of bare rock, very grand in their effect, as we drew 
closer to them. We reached the hotel at Theresopolis at 
about two o'clock. After our long walk, the answer we 
received to our inquiry about breakfast at the little grocery 
adjoining the inn was rather discouraging. What could 
they give us on short notice ? " Only four eggs and some 
sausage." However, the master of the hotel made his ap- 
pearance, opened his house, where, to judge from its closed 
doors and windows, the advent of guests is rare, and com- 
forted us with the information that breakfast " pode se ar- 
ranjar." Indeed, from the dish of eggs which made its 
appearance soon afterwards, we might have supposed that 
all the hens in the village had been called upon to contrib- 
ute, and we enjoyed a breakfast for which mountain air 
and exercise had supplied the best sauce. 
The village of Theresopolis is very prettily situated, lying 
in a dip between the mountains and commanding a mag- 
nificent view of the peaks, one of which stands out like a 
tall, narrow tower against the sky. Near it is another sharp 
