SMITHSONIAN EXPLORATIONS, I93I 9 



houses and the ship station at its base (fig. 7). Viewed against a set- 

 ting sun such ruins display to the fullest extent their interest and 

 charm (fig. 8). From Melk to Krems the Danube flows in a gorge 

 through the Wachau, a mountainous region of cool forests, imposing 

 ruins, bright green vineyards and quaint villages to attract the artist 

 and many rock outcrops to interest the geologist. We are now in the 

 foothills of the Alps and range after range of mountains appear. 



Fig. 7. — Ruin Whitenegg along the Danube. 

 (Photograph by Bassler.) 



The first ridge is guarded by Schloss Schonbohel, an ancient strong- 

 hold. Ruin after ruin now comes to view and everywhere the mountain 

 slopes are terraced for grape culture. On a steep height is the castle 

 Durnheim where once Blondel found his imprisoned King — Richard, 

 the Lionhearted — and where now the village at its base is the center 

 of the celebrated wine industry (fig. 9). 



At Krems the Wachau is left and broad stream valleys and willow- 

 tufted plains now prevail. Tulln, an old Roman settlement, celebrated 

 for the great festivals of the Xiebelungen, is soon passed and shortly 

 the Wienerwald, the Vienna Woods of Song, comes into view ; then 

 Vienna the beautiful city of music and art. 



