EFFECTS OF DECOMPOSITION. 



lost their course, and no longer exist; so that 

 the pasturages are become deserts, which only 

 remind the spectator of this sudden ruin."* 



This author also informs us, that, at the time 

 of the earthquake at Lisbon, many mountains 

 were seen to shake in the Vallais, which has re- 

 mained subject to earthquakes since that period ; 

 and the town of Brigue suffered considerable da- 

 mage. But in 1751, another mountain fell; 

 and the account of this disaster shall be given in 

 the words of Saussure ; after premising that this 

 mountain was situated not far from Passy, be- 

 tween Sallenches and Servoz. 



" Near this summit was situated a mountain, Mountain near 

 which fell in 1751, with so dreadful a noise, and 

 so thick and dark a dust, that many people be- 

 lieved that the world was at an end. This black 

 dust passed for smoke; eyes, distracted with 

 fear, saw flarfces in the midst of the whirling 

 smoke : and intelligence was received at Turin, 

 that a terrible volcano had burst forth in the 

 midst of these mountains, so that the king sent 

 a celebrated naturalist, Vitaliano Donati, to ve- 

 rify that report. He came with great diligence, 

 before the rocks had completely fallen, so that 



* Grouner, Glac. de Suise, Paris, 1770, 4to. p. 138. Bourrit, 

 ii. 98. 



