PROFESSOR JOHN HUTTON BALFOUR. 273 
noon for lunch. We remained there two hours. This is the 
chief town of the Valais. We had a long drive to Martigny. 
Some time before we reached Martigny rain came on. The 
night was dark and stormy, with thunder and lightning, and did 
not promise well for a mountain trip next day. We took up 
our quarters at the Hétel Clerc about 6.45, where we were 
well attended to and very comfortable. Put up our plants and 
despatched them to Guthnick at Berne. 
Thursday, 26th August 1858. 
Wind, rain and mist prevented us from attempting to cross 
the Téte Noire to Chamounix as we had intended. After some 
delay in the hope that the day might clear, we at last left 
Martigny about 10.30, some driving in the omnibus and some 
walking in the direction of Bex, where we meant to join the 
railway. The day was very wet, heavy showers every now and 
then. A number of plants were gathered, especially Athyrium 
fontanum by Mr. Fraser. 
We proceeded by rail to Villeneuve, where we joined the 
steamer on the Lake of Geneva. We left Villeneuve at 12.30 
and reached Geneva about 7 p.m. At first we proceeded to the 
Hétel Couronne, but did not find sufficient accommodation 
there. Mr. Bell and Mr. Sconce got beds there. The rest went 
to the Hétel de la Métropole—large and fine new hotel; abund- 
ance of beds ; rather expensive. 
friday, 27th August 1858. 
After breakfast, went to Rue du Rhone for a photograph. 
Found that Messrs. Artaria & Carini, who were recommended 
as the best photographers, were not at home ; and accordingly, as 
our time was limited, we were compelled to take some other. 
Accidentally went to the rooms of a person near Artaria & 
Carini, M. Poncy. He took three photographs of the party, for 
which 81 francs were charged. These we brought home and 
they have since been used by Bryson for printing, but none have 
turned out good. Messrs. Bell & Sconce, who were at another 
hotel and whose residence we could not ascertain, missed us and 
got their photographs taken separately by the same artist. That 
