meee 
4 
never was there heard on these occasions from our de- 
- parted friend one unkind remark, one uncourteous ex- 
pression. He stated what he believed to be the truth—he 
pointed out error, or what seemed to him to be such, but 
never was it done so as to cause pain to even the most un- 
informed. 
The ordinary business of the session then commenced 
b 
Mr. JosepH Joun Murpny reading a paper on “ Gla« 
cier Scenery.” He began by describing the snow-fields 
which cover the high Alps all the year round, and give 
origin to avalanches ; these avalanches leave marks on the 
snow-fields which, at a distance, look like a delicate pencil- 
lmg. They accumulate their snow in the high valleys, 
and thus form glaciers. The snow fields are pure white, 
but iu the light of a clear sunset assume a most beautiful 
rosy colour. The transition from snow-field to glacier 
may be distinctly seen in some places from the opposite 
heights. The glacier is cut up by deep fissures caused by one 
part sliding away trom another; in looking into theseamost 
beautiful blue colour is seen. The surface of the glacier 
is generally very dirty, in consequence of the stones and 
earth which are brought down by the avalanches : this 
discolours the streams that take their rise in the glaciers, 
The lakes into which these streams fall, however, are 
mostly of a clear light-green colour, except the Lake of 
Geneva, which is blue. Mr. Murphy concluded by describ- 
ing the Mirjelen Lake, which is in cortact with the: vast 
Aletsch glacier, and is supplied <a - ~“*s melting. 
Pieces of ice break off the glacier) _ va the lake, 
forming miniature icebergs, like those of the Polar 
regions. 
Mr. JoHN GRAINGER then gave a description of the 
“Tour of Mont Blanc”—that is, the excursion around the 
entire mountain. Regarding the lofty mountains called 
the St. Gothard group as the centre, he described the six 
great valleys and five mountain-chains radiating there- 
from. He then gave a sketch of the three different routes by 
which Mont Blanc can be traversed round, in seven days, 
four days, and three days respectively. The lecture was 
illustrated by an interesting collection of Alpine plants and 
butterflies. 
After a discussion on some points connected with both 
papers, the proceedings terminated. 
30th October, 1861. 
From the Daily “ Northern Whig” of October 31, 1861, 
; MUSEUM 
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Ory 7 ws 4 
20 JAN 33 } 
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| NATURAL 
LHISTORY. 
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