io6 HISTORY OF THE [BOOK. n. 



the sudden transition from the hot atmosphere of the 

 plains., to the chill air of the higher regions, is com- 

 monly productive of mischievous effects on the human 

 frame; but this, I believe, is seldom the case, if the 

 traveller, as prudence dictates, sets off at the dawn of 

 the morning (when the pores of the skin are in some 

 measure shut) and is cloathed somewhat warmer than 

 usual. With these precautions, excursions into the 

 uplands are always found safe, salubrious, and de- 

 lightful. I will observe too, in the words of an 

 agreeable writer,j| that, " on the tops of high moun- 

 tains, \vhere the air is pure and refined, and where 

 there is not that immense weight of gross vapours 

 pressing upon the body, the mind acts with greater 

 freedom, and all the functions, both of soul and body* 

 are performed in a superior manner/' I wish I could 

 add, with the same author, that " the mind at the 

 same time leaves all low and vulgar sentiments be- 

 hind it, and in approaching the ethereal regions, shakes 

 off its earthly affections, and acquires something of 

 celestial purity.* 



The following has been given, as- an account of the heights from ths 

 sea of the most noted mountains in the world : 



Feet. 



Mount Blanc 15,672 



Etna 10,954. 



Pike of Teneriffs 11,021 



Chimborazo (Andes) 20,575 



Snowdon (Wales ) 3>557 



(j Brydone. 



* In describing the rural features of Jamaica, the district called Pedro 

 Plains, deserves particular notice. It is a level country on a high blufF> 



