Part I, 



A LITTLE TOUR IN THE ALPS. 



107 



suspended in the centre, probably to heighten the effect at night, 

 on important occasions. Considering how many things there are 

 to remind us that we are dust, this practice is as unnecessary 

 as it is barbarous and disgusting. Who has given any one a 

 right to take up a man's bones from where they were " buried 

 out of sight," and expose them thus ? Instead of effecting any 

 good or acting as a wholesome caution, such an exhibition, 

 placed under the' nose of all the small fry of the village, is more 

 likely to familiarise them with horror, and deprive life, and death 

 too, of their sacredness. 



Fig. 70. — Island in Lake Maggiore 



We will hasten by the streams that feed Lake Maggiore, and 

 stop for a while near the islands on its fair expanse. Mountains 

 with dense green woods creeping to their very tops are reflected 

 in the transparent water in which they seem to be rooted, so near 

 do they rise from its margin, and only showing here and there, 

 where a deep scar or scarp occurs too precipitous for vegetation, 

 cheir stony ribs. 



The isles look pretty, but not beautiful, because of the rather 



