212 PLAGE D'AITRELE. 



understand why the Romans first chose this vale for 

 their road from the coast to Forum JuHi. From this 

 place tlie e\e ranges unchecked over the snow - clad 

 Alps and the wide coast. The bare porphyry rocks at 

 the top of the mountain are deeply cleft and resemble 

 the ruins of a Titan's stronghold. It is necessar\' to 

 approach the edge with caution, for these rc_ks are 

 liable to fall over into the valle^' without any warning. 



EverA' ramlile in the Esterel suggests new excursions. 

 With its carefulh' kept roads and woocls this mountain 

 range resembles a vast park adorned with huge rock- 

 masses \\hich Nature would seem to have disposed 

 with artistic skill, rare taste, and an expenditure of 

 superhuman energy-. 



Castor has become <.[uite friendly, and although chstant 

 views do not fascinate him, he accompanies us on all 

 our expeditions, and climbed the Pic d'Aurclc with 

 us also. 



A road leads past our Hotel westward to Aga)-. It 

 follo\\s all the indentations ol the "Plage d'Aurele", and 

 from it also, across a foreground of red rocks, a view of 

 the snow}- alpine heights is soon obtained. W'e left the 

 main road and descending to the shore continued our 

 way climbing up and down along the rocky coast. The 

 sea is calm, and only gentle wavelets ripple up the beach 

 with scarce a fringe ol loam. The bottom is seen clearh' 

 through the crystal waters. There, in purple hollows, 

 are strange forms of many colours shining like precious 

 stones. The Pro\'encal sun bathes us in its glory, and 

 even the sea and the rocks radiate light. The air tiuivers 



