E 53 1 



VIE Account of a fatal Accident which happened to a 7Ya- 

 veller on the Glacier of Buet; with fame Cautions to thofe 

 who through Cuviofity may -villi the Mountains of SwiJ/er- 

 land, and particularly '.he Glaciers. By M. A. Pictet, 

 Profffor of Pbilofoj 



A 



Sentiment of curiofity, exceedingly natural, induces 

 travellers from all parts of Europe to viilt Mont Blanc, the 

 higheft point of the old world, and to examine the unround- 

 ing glaciers. Since the memorable afceniion of the learned 

 hiftorian of the Alps, theie places have acquired a new de- 

 gree of intereft : the, geologue, the mineralogift, and the 

 mere amateur repair thither with avidity; and even women 

 are amply indemnified for the fatigue of the journey by the 

 pleafure arifing from the view of objecls entirely new to 

 them, and by the amiable and friendly reception they meet 

 with from the inhabitants. Every thing unites to make 

 this excurfion, which is attended with no real dangers, the 

 ufual object of all curious travellers who vifit Geneva and its 

 environs. 



The more this journey prefents attractions, the more it is 

 of importance to make known the dangers to which travel- 

 lers who undertake it mav be expofed merely by imprudence 

 or inattention. Our principal view is utility, and without 

 doubt it is of utility to make known, in all places where this 

 journal may circulate, dangers which are indeed great to 

 thofe ignorant of them or who forgot them, but of little 

 importance to thofe who are forewarned or cautioned to 

 avoid them. Had we treated this fubject fome vears aa;o, 

 the fatal accidenc which lately took place, and to which we 

 were almoft witncllcs, would not, perhaps, have happened. 

 This reflection will not allow us to hefitate any longer. The 

 experience I have acquired by travelling among the mountains, 

 either when accompanying my illuftiious friend Sauffure, or 

 in ten journeys undertaken to the glaciers of Chamouni 

 in particular, will perhaps entitle me to fome confidence 

 from thofu whom i am defirous of faving from uneafinefs or 



1 From Btbtiotbtrqut Brfaamiqw, No. nz. 



danger : 



