ORGAN MOUNTAINS. 



487 



bedded in the soil. Many of these boulders were clothed 

 in soft, thick reindeer moss, so like the reindeer moss of the 

 Arctics that, if specifically distinct, the difference could not 

 be detected except by the most careful examination. It 

 suggests the question whether there are any representatives 

 of the tropical flora among the lichens and pines of the 

 high north. As we advanced, the character of the vegeta- 

 tion changed considerably, and we began to feel, by the in- 

 creasing freshness of the air, that we were getting into 

 higher regions. The near view became more beautiful as 

 we approached the heart of the mountains, coming under 

 the shadow of their strange peaks, which looked sharp and 

 attenuated from a distance, but changed into wonderful 

 masses of bare rock, very grand in their effect, as we drew 

 closer to them. We reached the hotel at Theresopolis at 

 about two o'clock. After our long walk, the answer we 

 received to our inquiry about breakfast at the little grocery 

 adjoining the inn was rather discouraging. What could 

 they give us on short notice ? " Only four eggs and some 

 sausage." However, the master of the hotel made his ap- 

 pearance, opened his house, where, to judge from its closed 

 doors and windows, the advent of guests is rare, and com- 

 forted us with the information that breakfast " pode se ar- 

 ranjar." Indeed, from the dish of eggs which made its 

 appearance soon afterwards, we might have supposed that 

 all the hens in the village had been called upon to contrib- 

 ute, and we enjoyed a breakfast for which mountain air 

 and exercise had supplied the best sauce. 



The village of Theresopolis is very prettily situated, lying 

 in a dip between the mountains and commanding a mag- 

 nificent view of the peaks, one of which stands out like a 

 tall, narrow tower against the sky. Near it is another sharp 



