A YOUNG NATURALIST. 



147 



the hurricane would recommence with redoubled violence ; 

 so it became highly necessary to select a spot for our 

 bivouac. Moss and lichens here covered the rocks with a 

 variegated carpet, and, in proportion as we ascended the 

 mountain, the cooler air relieved our lungs. At length our 

 ascent came to an end, and we found ourselves on a plateau 

 dotted over with stunted shrubs, distorted and twisted with 

 the winds and storms. Fresh summits rose in front of us, 

 but they were too far off to cause us any fear. Sumichrast 

 halted near three gigantic stones, placed so as to leave a 

 space between them, in which we could encamp, as if in a 

 fortress. 



This spot we selected for our bivouac. The wind still 

 blew in squalls, but the increased clearing of the atmosphere 

 gave us reason to hope that we should have nothing more 

 to fear from the hurricane. We all went in search of fire- 

 wood, and ere long after were enlivened by the gleam of an 

 immense fire. 



At sunset, the glittering beams of the sun's very last rays 

 reached our camp. The sky was blue, and the air was 

 fresh, so I abandoned the idea of returning home* Night 

 came on, a fine rain purified the air, and the damp earth 

 breathed forth a wholesome fragrance. Overcome by fa- 

 tigue, we wrapped ourselves up in our sarapes, and soon 

 fell into a sound sleep. 



