164 STUDIES OF NATURE 



Quixote and Sancho Panza, and all the beasts 

 on Ararat, walking in grotesque procession. In 

 this durance we spend a full hour, and then, 

 being thoroughly cold and wet, my companion's 

 store of caloric is exhausted, and we are com- 

 pelled to move. It would be madness to go 

 forward ; but fortunately, having kept our 

 reckoning as to the points of the compass, we 

 are able to retreat by the way we came. 

 Unwillingly, therefore, we begin our return; 

 and, carefully noting each point, we grope our 

 way back to the great hollow which is between 

 Am-Binnein and Goatfell. We had remarked 

 that in the extreme north-western corner, where 

 the soil was very red, there was a good descent 

 and no precipices. To this, therefore, we make 

 our way with much deliberation. Having 

 found it, we rattle down without fear. When 

 we have descended about five hundred feet we 

 leave the mist behind us ; and, though the rain 

 continues, it is clear over the sea, and we can 



