a eee E 
1885.] Geography and Travels, 159 
the same reason the snow limit is not fixed. The diversity and 
richness of tint of soil and rock are material points in the land- 
scape. The passes over these ranges reach heights of 11,394, 
11,696, 12,270, 12,303, 13,474, and 13,779 feet. The highest 
elevations are on lateral spurs of the chief western chain, near 
Valle Hermoso, at the commencement of which rises the great 
volcano Aconcagua, 22,867 feet high. 
The structure of the range, together with the wind, are 
forms which often simulate human figures, and are called “ Peni- 
tentes.” These are most abundant between 11,483 and 13,779 
feet. The mean height of the snow line between 32° and 33° 
S. lat. is estimated at 13.779 feet, diminishing to 11,483 at 34° 
S. lat. Between the western cordillera and the Pacific there is 
an out-lying coast range. Dr. Gussfeldt and his assistant reached 
21,030 feet on Aconcagua, and, though exhausted by the effort 
of speaking, had no flow of blood from mouth or nose. 
The Supposed New Island off Iceland—The supposed rtew island 
off Reykjanes, Iceland, turns out tobe a myth. The French war- 
vessel Romanche and the Danish Fy//a have carefully examined 
either Geirfugladraugr or Grenadeerhuen, has figured as a new 
island. Possibly an abnormally clear day caused the lighthouse- 
keeper to, for the first time, perceive an object which he has since 
continued to see simply through knowing where to look for it. 
Meade river —Lieut. P. H. Ray has made an exploration south- 
ward from Point Barrow along the Meade river, which he struck _ 
sixty milesfrom its mouth, and followed for 100 miles, until he 
came in sight of a low range of mountains trénding north-west 
and south-east, dividing the north-east water-shed from that of 
Kotzebue sound. The guides, fearful of imaginary enemies, re- 
fused to go further. The region is uninhabited, and is visited only 
by a few natives from Hornook and Ooglamie in pursuit of rein- 
er. There is no timber; a few Arctic willows on the river and 
