An Up-River Ramble. 139 



sharply struck with a metal hammer or a piece of 

 stone, is due not only to the crystalline structure 

 of the. rock itself, but to the position in which each 

 mass lies, those having fewest points of contact 

 with the surrounding masses having the clearest 

 and sweetest " voices," as I call them. 



As had been true of every other point whereat 

 we had tarried through the day, so here was a 

 spot about which I longed to tarry, and, as in 

 many a melancholy case before, was forced to 

 console myself with the hope that I might come 

 again. The plan of the leader must be followed 

 out, and reluctantly turning from these sweet- 

 tongued rocks, we were soon en route for the 

 great feature of the day's excursion, " Top-Rock." 

 This was no outstanding point to be seen from a 

 distance, like a snow-capped peak, and climbed in 

 imagination before its base was reached. To all 

 but the leader it was a matter of faith until the 

 moment it was fairly stepped upon. In fact, it was 

 with some misgiving that a pedestrian tour was un- 

 dertaken, when, the carriages halting in the dusty 

 highway, the fact that such was necessary was 

 announced. Had I not already seen enough ? 



