Ascent of the Jungfrau in 1841. 298 
weather was remarkably fine at bed-time, and we reckoned on 
it being the same on the following day. But, contrary to what 
usually happens, the weather on this occasion was not favourable 
to us; the wind had changed during the night, and although, 
at three o’clock, the mountains were still clear, Jacob declined 
to set out. At six o'clock, threatening clouds rose from all 
parts of the horizon ; and at eight, we were enveloped in one 
of those interminable rains with which the traveller is so often 
and profusely favoured at the Grimsel. This was on the 24th 
August. On the 26th the weather began to improve, and our 
guides gave us reason to hope that this would continue. Among 
thetravellers who had arrived at the Grimsel, and who had heard 
‘of our intentions, two in particular expressed a desire to ac- 
company us. These were M. du Chatelier of Nantes, and M. 
de Pury of Neuchatel, a student in theology, and formerly one 
of M. Agassiz’ pupils. We willingly consented, on condition 
that these two gentlemen should accompany us that same day 
to our hotel, where M. Agassiz had orders to give relative to our 
outfit ; and as we were in the habit of accomplishing this in 
very short time, it would enable us to form an opinion as to the 
fitness of our candidates. Both of them underwent the proof 
with credit, and our guides were the first to admit that they 
were in a condition to follow us. On our return to the hotel, 
we again commenced our preparations for setting out, and this 
time were successful. The next day, 27th August, at four 
o’clock in the morning, we left Grimsel, directing our course 
towards the glacier of the Oberaar, or upper glacier, which is 
separated from the lower by the masses of Zinkenstock. We 
were twelve in number ; namely, M. Agassiz, Mr Forbes, pro- 
fessor of natural philosophy at Edinburgh, Mr Heath, profes- 
sor of mathematics at Cambridge, M. du Chatelier of Nantes, 
M. de Pury, student of Neuchatel, and myself; accompanied 
by six guides—Jacob Leuthold, Johannes Wehren, Johannes 
Aplanalp, Michel Bannholzer, Johannes Jaun of Meyringen, 
and Johannes Jaun of Imgrund, all in the service of Mr Zip- 
pach. Before commencing our journey, I think I should men- 
tion a trait of one of our guides, which will serve to make the 
character of these mountaineers better known, and at the same 
time explain the unlimited confidence we placed in them. 
