64 ' ■ M. BoussingauW s [July 



vinced of the contrary until I saw him lift it up and examine 

 the specimen which had been so dangerously submitted to 

 our notice. It was of the same nature as that which we 

 trod upon. We proceeded cautiously. On the right we 

 could support ourselves on the rock. On the left the 

 declivity was frightful, and before advancing we were ob- 

 liged to familiarize ourselves with the precipice. This is 

 a precaution which ought never to be neglected in moun- 

 tains, whenever a dangerous chasm is to be passed. Saussure 

 has said so long ago ; but it cannot be too often repeated, 

 and in my perilous journeys among the summits of the 

 Andes, I have never lost sight of the good advice. 



We now began to feel more than hitherto the effect of 

 the rarefaction of the air. We were obliged to stop every 

 two or three steps, and often even to lie down for some 

 seconds. We only experienced difficulty when moving ; the 

 snow soon presented a condition which rendered our 

 journey equally slow and dangerous. It was only three or 

 four inches deep, and under it existed a very hard and 

 slippery ice. We were obliged to make depressions in the 

 ice in order to ensure our footing. The negro went first 

 to form this ladder ; but he was soon exhausted. Wishing 

 to take his place, I slipped, when fortunately for me, I was 

 powerfully retained by Hall and my negro. At one time 

 we were all three in eminent danger. This accident made 

 us hesitate a little, but plucking up new courage we resolved 

 to advance. The snow became more favourable. We made 

 a last effort, and at three-quarters past one we reached the 

 desired point. Here we were convinced that it was impos- 

 sible to do more. We found ourselves at the bottom of a 

 prism of trachyte, whose top covered with a cupola of snow, 

 forms the summit of Chimborazo. 



The point which we had attained was only a few feet 

 broad. On all sides we were surrounded by precipices. 

 The deep colour of the rock offered a striking contrast with 

 the whiteness of the snow. Long icy stalagmites appeared 

 in suspension over our heads, as if a mighty cascade had 

 been congealed. The prospect was admirable. A few 

 small clouds could be observed towards the east ; the air 

 was perfectly calm ; our view was very extensive ; the situa- 

 tion was new, and we enjoyed the most lively satisfaction. 



