488 
EFFECTS OF DRY WINDS. 
29 Nov. — 9 Dec. 
almost be called hoofs ; and which seem to be used only for scratching 
away the earth, for which office they are well suited ; although such 
an application of the hind legs is a singular anomaly, and not easily 
to be explained, without having had a more favorable opportunity 
of watching their mode of life. In this manner, it does, in fact, use 
them dexterously and expeditiously ; making deep burrows, in which 
it lies concealed all day. As it comes out to feed only by night, it 
is an animal not so well known from its form and appearance, as 
from its operations. It inhabits the neighbourhood of mountains, 
whose rocky sides affi3rd them a greater protection than the plains, 
where they may be easily overtaken by dogs, or other carnivorous 
animals. No construction can be better suited for ascending, nor 
any worse for descending, a steep. There must, therefore, one would 
imagine, be some singular management on the part of an animal so 
formed, and at the same time inhabiting such places. It is some- 
times, though less frequently, called the Berg-haas (Mountain Hare). 
A violent west wind continuing the whole day, rendered the air 
extremely chilly ; and in the evening, soon after sunset, it became so 
cold, that our thickest clothing could not keep us warm. The sum- 
mer being now far advanced, such weather was not to be expected ; 
but it is, however, not unusual. 
December Itli. While sitting employed in the waggon, a sudden 
crack excited my attention ; and on turning to the spot whence 
it proceeded, I perceived the upper joint of the flute split from one 
end to the other. At the moment, I could not but view this as an 
accident particularly unfortunate, supposing myself deprived, for the 
rest of my travels, of the amusement, and, I might say, the con- 
solation, of that instrument ; but the metal tube within, saved it 
from being rendered useless. It was, however, this tube which 
occasioned the accident, by expanding from the heat and dryness of 
the air, while the woodwork on the outside contracted from the 
same cause. 
It is the wind, more especially, which produces this effect on 
wood ; and in this climate care should be taken that nothing be left 
exposed to its influence. It was, on this account, highly necessary 
