168 THE FOREST AND THE FIELD. 



E-udru Himaleh, with its summit wreathed in fleecy 

 clouds. With the exception of the glacier itself, 

 which appeared to stretch upwards for several 

 miles with a gradual ascent towards the summit of 

 the mountain, the general character of the valley 

 seemed but little changed, for as far as the eye 

 could see on either side, glistening snow-clad hills 

 rose ten or twelve thousand feet, confining the 

 view. The boiling point of water gave an eleva- 

 tion of nearly thirteen thousand feet above the 

 level of the sea, an altitude much greater than any 

 of the Swiss glaciers. After the Doctor had com- 

 pleted his observations, and we had gazed our fill 

 at the solemn grandeur of the scenery, which 

 seemed to impress the mind with a sense of calm 

 repose, we descended from the glacier and retraced 

 our steps about three miles to a patch of pine, 

 under the shelter of which our people had prepared 

 our bivouac. A blazing fire, and a substantial 

 dinner were awaiting us, very requisite comforts in 

 these regions, and after having resuscitated the 

 " inner man," we held our usual consultation, at 

 which it was determined that the morrow should 



