Piora 



elevation ; many of them, like the rhododendron, 

 will grow anywhere, but a very large number, 

 the majority perhaps, will simply die when re- 

 moved to a soil composed of lime or chalk at a 

 low elevation. I feel sure that the mountain air 

 is a great factor in the vigour and abundance of 

 Alpine plants, and in many instances in the 

 colour of the flowers, and cannot help thinking 

 also that the reduced atmospheric pressure which 

 the flowers get at high altitudes has its influence 

 upon their healthy growth. 



I have, I think, said enough of the flowers of 

 Piora, but before leaving my account of its many 

 attractions I ought not to forget to mention the 

 very reasonable charges at the hotel ; the charge 

 en pension was eight francs a day. 



In so small an hotel there is of course no 

 chaplain, and there is none nearer than Airolo ; 

 but I cannot altogether consider that a drawback 

 to the place ; I would far rather be a priest unto 

 myself on one of the beautiful hillsides than be 

 condemned to one of the dreary Puritanical 

 services in unworthy buildings which are so 

 common throughout Switzerland, and advertised 

 as " English Church services." 



I have no doubt Piora is a very healthy place, 

 and would be a good place for a long stay, but I 

 fancy a little acclimatisation would be necessary 

 for some people before they got the full benefit. 

 I heard of several instances where the visitors 

 had not been quite well after the first day or two. 

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