IN THE ALPS 229 



Tyndall emphasized, that ice during a thaw disintegrates so as 

 to form rude prisms whose axes are at right angles to the planes 

 of freezing, he had observed in the ice of the Ohio River. He 

 explored the great Aletsch glacier, that of the Grindelwald, the 

 Mer de Glace, and the system of glaciers between Monte Rosa 

 and Mont Cervin. He developed a love for long tramps, but 

 never cared to waste time and energy in trying to scale high 

 peaks; from the lower heights he was content to attack the 

 problem of mountain-building. At first he made his ascents 

 under professional leadership, acquiring a great liking for 

 the strong-limbed and brave-hearted Swiss guides. After a 

 while, however, wishing to try his own powers, he liberated him- 

 self from their companionship and often walked alone. His 

 senses trained to an exquisite perception of the glories of earth 

 and air, the scent of pine and song of birds, every step was a 

 delight. These solitary tramps, like sleep, " knit up the ravelled 

 sleeve of care." 



While in Switzerland he became acquainted with Messieurs 

 Renivier, Pictet, and other geologists who were helpful in mak- 

 ing known the best localities for collecting fossils. During the 

 winter it was also his good fortune to meet at Montreux an 

 accomplished young English geologist, Edward Tawney, with 

 whom he travelled extensively. Tawney was a cripple, but had 

 in his veins the blood of the heroic Lawrences, John and Henry, 

 who saved India to England in the great mutiny. Yet, in spite 

 of his pluck, he was in a measure dependent for assistance upon 

 his companion, and the fact that he needed looking after awak- 

 ened, as such an appeal always did, Mr. Shaler's utmost vigi- 

 lance and care. Their journeys together were delightful as 

 well as mutually profitable, and a great friendship sprang up 

 between them, as well as a certain interchangeable guardian- 

 ship ; as, for instance, when Mr. Shaler's quick spirit would get 

 him into trouble with stupid and arrogant officials when the 

 oft-repeated Sacrebleu, Cent Milk Diables, Nom de Dieu, made 

 the air hiss; then Tawney would exhaust his slender amount 



