460 OLD ALPINE JOTTINGS. 



hot, but there was a clear rivulet at hand, deepening 

 here and there into pebbled pools, into which I plunged 

 at intervals, causing my guide surprise, if not anxiety. 

 For he shared the common superstition that plunging, 

 when hot, into cold water is dangerous. The danger, 

 and a very serious one it is, is to plunge into cold water 

 when cold. The strongest alone can then bear immer- 

 sion without damage. 



This year I subjected the famous Finsteraarschlucht 

 to a close examination. The earthquake theory already 

 adverted to was prevalent regarding it, and I wished to 

 see whether any evidences existed of aqueous erosion. 

 It will be remembered that the Schlucht or gorge is cut 

 through a great barrier of limestone rock called the 

 Kirchet, which throws itself across the valley of Hasli, 

 about three-quarters of an hour's walk above Meyringen. 

 The plain beyond the barrier, on which stands the ham- 

 let of Imhof, is formed by the sediment of an ancient 

 lake of which the Kirchet constituted the dam. This 

 dam is now cut through for the passage of the Aar, 

 forming one of the noblest gorges in Switzerland. Near 

 the summit of the Kirchet is a house with a signboard 

 inviting the traveller to visit the Aarenschlucht, a nar- 

 row lateral gorge which runs down to the very bottom 

 of the principal one. The aspect of this smaller chasm 

 from its bottom to its top proves to demonstration that 

 water had in former ages worked there as a navigator. 

 But it was regarding the sides of the great chasm that 

 I needed instruction, and from its edge I could see 

 nothing to satisfy me. I therefore stripped and waded 

 until a point was reached in the centre of the river 

 which commanded an excellent view of both sides of 

 the gorge. Below me, on the left-hand side, was a 

 jutting cliff, which caused the Aar to swerve from its 

 direct course, and had to bear the thrust of the river. 



