440 MOUNTAIN STORMS. 



something new to attract the eye and charm the senses. 

 But the grandest phenomenon of all is probably wit- 

 nessed during one of the sudden storms which are 

 of such frequent occurrence among high mountains. 

 At these times the distant views are generally shut 

 out by dense masses of rapidly driving cloud and mist, 

 rolling up from the valleys, whilst the tremendous 

 force of the gusts, the torrents of rain, hail, or blinding 

 snowdrift combined with the deafening peals of thunder, 

 frequently produce displays of Nature's power never to 

 be effaced from the memory. No one can be really said 

 to have seen the mountains, until he has beheld them 

 during this war of the elements, as well as in their 

 more placid moments of calm and sunshine. It is in 

 fact impossible to conceive anything more grand and 

 impressive or more awe-inspiring than the tumult that 

 rages around one during the height of one of these 

 tornadoes, with the deep voice of the thunder continually 

 breaking in, like the heaviest artillery, pealing with 

 truly appalling power among the surrounding hills. 

 Travellers thinking of making ascents to their higher 

 altitudes, should always closely watch the signs of the 

 weather, as well as take counsel with the local guides, 

 whom long experience has made more or less weather- 

 wise: for to be overtaken by one of these storms, 

 among the unfrequented crags or glaciers, far above 

 the inhabited regions, is always a serious, and often 

 an exceedingly dangerous thing, as in bad weather it 

 is very easy to lose the way. Tracks become effaced 

 with marvellous rapidity; tiny streamlets swell quickly 

 into raging torrents; and the scud of the driving mist 

 prevents any objects being discerned, except those in 

 the immediate neighbourhood. 



