THE REUSS. 
215 
The steep inclines become shorter as we ascend the 
Reuss, and from a favourable point of view it can be 
seen that their summits form a common terrace with 
an inclination less steep than that of the Reuss, so 
that if we look down the valley it becomes gradually 
higher and higher above the present river; while on 
the other hand, if we look up the valley, they con- 
verge, finally meeting at Andermatt. 
Fio. 144.— Section of the Reuss Valley. 
This “terrace” therefore commences at Ander- 
matt; it can be traced along the main valley, as a 
line or ridge on the steep side, and descending 
gradually, though not so rapidly as the floor of the 
valley itself, but attaining much greater dimensions 
in the side glens. 
It is obvious that this terrace represents a former 
“Thalweg” of the Reuss with much less fall than it 
has now, and that the lateral brooks have not yet 
lowered their valleys to the level of the main stream. 
