GLACIERS. 205 



most splendid azure is witnessed. But usually, it is impure and dirty, 

 in proportion to the stony and earthly material mingled with it. 



The inhabitants of the Alps say, that "the glaciers love cleanliness," 

 and this is a strange fact. Fragment* of rock or wood, which fall into 

 the fissures without reaching the bottom, after some time, even if it is 

 for years, come to the surface. You would in vain look for a single 

 imbedded sione in the exposed ice masses at the lower end of the gla- 

 ciers, in walls of ice of a 100 feet in height. This is explained in va- 

 rious ways, but I have not room to treat the subject at large. 



The external form of glaciers depends on their foundation. If that 

 be flat, the glaciers will, in general, be flat. If the foundation is an in- 

 clined plane, the glacier also has an inclination towards the valley. At 

 the lower end, they are usually convex, a consequence of the rays of 

 heat reflected from the walls or sides of the valley, by which the ice at 

 the sides is melted more rapidly than in the middle. 



The surface of many presents undulatory elevations or depressions. 

 The latter appear like serpentine furrows running in every direction in- 

 to each other. These external forms are subject to many changes. In 

 a few years, they would hardly be recognized, so great is the change 

 they undergo. 



Some glaciers are ornamented with a variety of ice pyramids, or 

 needles of considerable height. The rays of the setting sun occasion 

 the most splendid play of colors on these pyramids, and exhibit a most 

 magnificent spectacle. 



At their lower end, they not only present abrupt declivities, but also 

 grottos of the most beautiful blue. Sometimes these grottos are 100 

 feet high, and 50 to 80 feet wide. Icicles hang from the roof, like sta- 

 lactites in a care. The floor is covered with large blocks of ice, form- 

 ed by water, dropping down and freezing. 



But why even begin to write on this subject, when but the faintest 

 sketch would occupy more room than can be spared. It is a prolific 

 theme, and my bare notes, hastily scratched down, occupy seven or eight 

 pages. Besides, no description of mine can approach the reality. Go 

 and see, and if you postpone your visit a year or two, I will go with 

 you, and by my counsel, save you not a few dollars from the omniverous 

 rapacity of Swiss guides and landlords. One who has suffered "some" 

 is well qualified to give advice to a stranger in the country of the Alps. 



.f. G. M. 



