140 THE FORMS OF WATER IN 



rock. It is supported by other peaks almost as noble 

 as itself. The Nesthorn is at hand ; while sweeping 

 round to the west we strike the glorious triad already 

 referred to, the Weisshorn, the Matterhorn, and the 

 Dom. Take one glance at the crevasses of the glacier 

 immediately below us. It tumbles at its end down a 

 steep incline, and is greatly riven. But the crevasses 

 open before the steep part is reached, and you notice 

 the coalescence of marginal and transverse crevasses, 

 producing a system of curved fissures with the convex- 

 ities of the curves pointing upwards. The mechanical 

 reason of this is now known to you. The glacier-tables 

 are also numerous and fine. I should like to linger 

 with you here for a week, exploring the existing glaciers, 

 and tracing out the evidences of others that have passed 

 away. 



§ 52. The Rifelberg and Gorner Glacier. 



354. And though our measurements and observations 

 on the Mer de Glace are more or less representative of 

 all that can be made or solved elsewhere, I am unwilling 

 to leave you unacquainted with the great system of 

 glaciers which stream from the northern slopes of 

 Monte Rosa and the adjacent mountains. From the 

 Bel Alp we can descend to Brieg, and thence drive to 

 Visp ; but you and I prefer the breezy heights, so we 

 sweep round the promontory of the Nessel, until we 

 stand over the Rhone valley, in front of Visp. From 





