212 CHAMOIS HUNTING. 



the thin vapoury mist which had filled the atmosphere 

 was swept away ; in the direction of the plain glimpses 

 of brightness were discernible, and soon the crests of 

 the mountains showed themselves with sharp outline 

 in the now clear air. All wore a cheerful aspect, and 

 buoyant with hope I set off for Baierisch Zell, intend- 

 ing to pass the night at the Solachers' cottage, in order 

 to be out betimes the following morning. 



When thus setting out for the chase after a long 

 imprisonment, a delicious feeling of gladness, an elas- 

 ticity of heart and limb, possesses the whole being : it 

 is an exquisite sensation. Your nature feels the sweet 

 influences as much as the external nature around you. 

 The refreshing, softening rain, that has filled every 

 valley with a humming sound, makes your heart leap 

 like those rivulets ; the blue sky above you seems to 

 have pervaded your mind with its serene colouring, 

 just as it reflects itself in the glittering landscape, still 

 trembling with rain-drops, and sheds over it a peculiar 

 azure brightness. Expectation is rife, and as you chat 

 with your companion while stepping lightly along, plea- 

 santest thoughts rise with the hopeful excitement ; for 

 as to the chances which you feel sure are before you, 

 why you would not cede them for a kingdom. Every 

 trifle contributes to your delight : it is a pleasure 

 even to be so well shod, and to defy the water and the 

 pointed stones; you exult in your strength, and in 

 the feeling of independence which that, and a firm 

 heart, and your good rifle give you. The very obstacles 

 you meet on your path produce a pleasurable sense of 



