256 HARRY FIELDING REID 



closing up a grotto used as a sleeping-place by the Italian Alpine 

 Club. This grotto remained closed from 1884 to 1900. The Cris- 

 tal, Sorapiss, and Kellerwand Glaciers have all retreated from a 

 fraction of a meter to 3"^. The snow-fields of Monte Cavallo show 

 a considerable increase in size. The Lys Glacier, Monte Rosa, has 

 retreated about 25™, shows a marked change in its form, and reveals 

 newly deposited moraines. In general, the retreat of the Italian 

 glaciers has continued, but the snowfall has increased.' 



French Alps. — Many glaciers have been observed under the 

 direction of the French Committee on Glaciers, with the following 

 results: On Mont Blanc the Bossons has greatly diminished; and 

 the Mer de Glace, stationary for some time, now shows a marked 

 recession. 



In the Maurienne eleven glaciers are retreating; one has been 

 stationary since 1892. The Glacier des Sources de I'Arc has retreated 

 1,250"^ horizontally and 300"^ in altitude since 1873. In the Grandes 

 Rousses the Glacier des Quirlies has retreated about 25"^ since 1899, 

 and the Grand Sablat about 35"^. The Glacier de la Selle has 

 retreated 600-800™ in the last thirty years. The Glacier des Etan- 

 fons has retreated greatly, probably 100"^ in the last fifteen years. 

 Of its two tributaries which are now separated, one is advancing 

 and the other is retreating. 



The Pyrenees. — The advance of the end of the nineteenth cen- 

 tury has affected the Glacier de Vignemale, which has inrceased 

 notably in thickness, though it has not advanced. The glaciers, in 

 general, are distinctly retreating. Of the twenty observed, fifteen are 

 retreating, and the others are either stationary or possibly growing, 

 although none show any real advance from 1901 to 1902.^ 



Scandinavian Alps: Norway. — The summer of 1901 was par- 

 ticularly warm in Norway, so that the glaciers melted rapidly, and 

 the snow-fields diminished to an extent never before seen. Many 

 glaciers were retreating, and the glacial streams were much higher 

 than usual. On the other hand, during the summer of 1902 the 

 snow remained very late. Several glaciers of Galdhotind advanced 

 15-20"^, and several receded, perhaps as much. On August 11, the 

 glacier lake of Mjolkedalsvand was suddenly emptied and caused 

 an inundation. Two glaciers near Olden are retreating. 



^ Report of Professor Porro. ^ Report of Professor Kilian. 



