300 JOURNEY. 



paring to descend,) in consequence of the 

 peculiar formation of the mountains them- 

 selves, which jut out in various shapes, add- 

 ing much to the romantic aspect of the road, 

 and not a little to the difficulty of travelling. 

 I commenced my descent by steps formed 

 of stone, about ten feet wide, eight feet 

 broad, and a foot to eighteen inches deep, 

 feach step inclining from the back gradually 

 to the edge. In consequence of the many 

 gaps, and great irregularities in these flights, 

 I was forced to dismount and lead my horse, 

 as a stumble might have been attended with 

 serious consequences. Whilst descending I 

 was struck with admiration at the novel 

 and striking scenery around, above, and be- 

 neath me. At about two thousand feet from 

 the level of the plain, I arrived at a ridge 

 of mountains, entirely covered with trees, 

 bearing the Cdmpana in abundance, a white 

 bell-flower, peculiar to this part, and in such 

 quantities as to whiten the whole top of 



