272 BOTANICAL EXCURSIONS MADE BY 
want of success in the way of plant gathering, and the smarting 
of faces, necks, and eyes was not easily got over. Moreover, 
the guide said he could not conduct the party on the route we 
preposed without extra assistance, for the glaciers were not 
always safe. We accordingly sent our guide to M. Seiler at 
Zermatt to arrange for our breakfasting next day, while we slept 
at the Riffel. 
Tuesday, 24th August 1858. 
At 6.15 a.m. wedescended to Zermatt to breakfast, getting a 
few plants on the way. Some of the party descended from the 
Riffel to Zermatt in one and a half hours. M. Seiler received 
us with his usual kindness. We paid a visit to the curé’s house 
for the sake of seeing his plants, but found that he was 
not at home. About 9 we left Zermatt and walked down the 
valley. The melting of the snow had caused an increase in the 
streams, and in several instances the rude bridges required for 
the passage of horses were carried away. These rapid torrents 
carry down debris and trees with them and often render the 
roads impassable. At one point of our journey the repair of a 
bridge became necessary. This was accomplished by the party 
with the aid of guides and under the direction of Dr. Fayrer, 
whose experience in the crossing of rivers in India was most 
useful. To the astonishment of the guides a most effective 
bridge was made in a better style than they had ever seen before. 
We rested at St. Niklaus for lunch. There we met Dr. Sanderson 
and his wife. The Doctor, an old pupil,zealous physiologist, wrote 
article, “ Vegetable Embryology,” in Todd’s Cyclopedia. Con- 
tinued our walk to Visp, which was reached in the evening. To- 
day we were on foot 12 hours. The walk was about 34 or 36 
miles. Took up our quarters at the Hétel du Soleil. 
Wednesday, 25th August 1858. 
After breakfast, started at 9 in four voitures of different kinds 
for Martigny. Morning fine, allowing a good view of the valley 
of the Rhone. x 
We travelled by the Valais along the banks of the Rhone. 
Rested at Leuk, Gemmi Pass. We reached Sion in the after- 
