238 Prof. Bonney : Penological Notes on the Euphotide 



These erratics*, which abound between Saas and the end 

 of the Allalein glacier, are derived from the extremity of a 

 long curving spur, which runs eastward from the summit of 

 the Allaleinhorn (13,235 feet) and divides the neves of the 

 Allalein and Hochlaub glaciers. This is indicated on the Swiss 

 map by the figures 3150 m. ( = 10,334-8 ft,). On the Geo- 

 logical Map (Biatt xxiii.) it is coloured " serpentine," but 

 this term is used by the surveyors with singular elasticity. 

 For instance, in the neighbourhood of the Saasthal it denotes 

 not only true serpentine, of which there is a fair amount, but 

 also gabbro, and a rather hard schistose rock, which contains 

 green hornblende, chlorite, epidote, and probably felspar, 

 often garnet, sometimes glaucophane, and so has no more 

 claim than a diorite to be called a serpentine. The more 

 obvious point of departure for this spur is the little inn at the 

 Mattmark See, from which I think it might be reached in 

 about three hours' walking ; but it can be visited without 

 much difficulty from Saas Fee. For guidance by this route 

 and for much valuable aid in collecting these notes I am 

 indebted to my friend Mr. Jas. Eccles, F.G.S., who had 

 already made the expedition in 1890 "j". 



This ridge of gabbro is completely surrounded by snow and 

 ice, beneath which, however, it is doubtless linked to the spur 

 of the Allaleinhorn. Evidence of this may be found in two 

 small knolls or heaps of boulders which protrude from the 

 snow, one slightly on the Allalein side, the other on the Hoch- 



* They have been long known to me, and in 1881 I endeavoured to 

 reach the ridge. Unfortunately I was obliged to turn back and have had 

 to wait ten years for another opportunity. 



t There are two routes from Saas Fee (5900 feet). The one passes 

 up the right bank of the Fee glacier till it reaches a "col" (9872 feet) 

 beneath the precipices of the Egginerhorn. This leads on to the neve of 

 the Kessjen glacier. Crossing this we make (roughly in a S.S.E. direc- 

 tion) for a gap in -the bounding ridge, on the left of which is a mass of 

 light-coloured calc-mica schist. Descending from this gap (probably 

 about 10,095 feet) we can scramble down along the rocks in the direction 

 of the Hinter Allaleinhorn until it becomes easier to take to the neve of 

 the Hochlaub glacier, and we cross this to the gabbro ridge. — The other 

 route turns to the right just before reaching the first col, ascends the 

 snow slopes of the ridge from the Hinter Allaleinhorn obliquely so as to 

 get above some ugly seracs ; then, after crossing a bergschrund, mounts 

 to the summit of the " grat." This is followed to near the base of the 

 peak itself, when it becomes easy_to descend to the neve of the Hochlaub 

 glacier. We went by the former way and returned by the other ; this 

 is higher (being by aneroid — which that day gave good results — 10,800 

 feet) but a little more direct. It presents no diificulties to persons 

 familiar with Alpine excursions ; on either route a rope is needful. We 

 were about 4^ hours going and 3 hours returning, without hurrying. 



