282 A Week among the Glaciers. 



which Mont Blanc presents, and this is doubtless from the descrip- 

 tion either of friends who have visited this spot, or the accounts 

 given in the "hand-books of Chamonix," which describe this 

 mountain as the "dark frowning monarch," &c. 



Mont Blanc possesses a character to which such appellations 

 will not apply. It rises far above the surrounding mountains; 

 and as its lofty summit towers above the rest, it impresses the 

 beholder, not with the awful sublimity that does our own im- 

 petuous Niagara, but by its grand and majestic serenity the tur- 

 bulent passions which agitate our bosoms are quelled to silence 

 in contemplating the stillness that rests on its eternal snow-capped 

 heights. 



In the valley of Chamonix runs the river Arve, and has for a 

 tributary the Arveron, which issues from beneath the Glacier du 

 Bois, and is visited by all to see the icy arch, which has been 

 formed by the waters of the river, in conjunction with the rays 

 of the sun. Its height varies much in different seasons, and even 

 during the same year; it may be named from thirty to one hun- 

 dred feet. 



The ascension of Mont Blanc is attempted by few. The first 

 successful one was made by Prof. De Saussujje, whose valuable 

 researches, and the praiseworthy object he hajHn view, (the ad- 

 vancement of science,) are sufficient excuse for hazarding the 

 lives of his guides, who are tempted by money to brave the in- 

 evitable danger of the journey. Since his ascension it has been 

 attempted by a few adventurers with varied success, and gener- 

 ally with no other motive than mere curiosity or a spirit of bra- 

 vado. Recently a Dr. Barry of England made a successful as- 

 cent, and has published an account of it, with his observations; 

 but owing to the inaccuracy of his instruments, his experiments 

 cannot be relied upon, which we much regret. 



By the present arrangement of the government, the ascent of 

 Mont Blanc is very expensive, in consequence of the great num- 

 ber of guides requisite to be taken ; and it is also annoying by 

 the forms and ceremonies attendant on such an expedition. When 

 a party intend making the ascent, mass is previously said in the 

 village church, for the safety of the guides and travellers; and 

 the guides, for whom more especially it is said, are obliged to at- 

 tend. On the whole it is rather an imposing sight, to see these 

 sturdy mountaineers attending this religious ceremony, before at- 

 tempting to brave the dangers of an ascent. 



