io6 
PROFESSOR OWEN 
CH. IV. 
cone. There a long halt was made ; the wind 
had increased as we rose ; here it was cutting, 
and driving fine particles of frozen snow against 
faces and hands ; the veil became less manageable. 
I resumed my coat, which I had stript on entering 
the glacier. Every step of the steep ascent sunk 
knee-deep in the powdery frozen snow. Our stout 
party was long before obliged to progress, each 
hand upon an alpenstock, carried horizontally be- 
tween two guides ; here his friend Hinchliff lent 
additional help, and we left them bearing him 
up, like Sisyphus his stone. Only once I felt the 
nausea described by many who toil up declivities 
in much rarefied air. I stopped, held down my 
head, and then proceeded by slow steps, directing 
volition strongly into the leg-muscles, and it soon 
went off. I kept the same position, and only 
became aware of the near termination of the 
climb by hearing a “ Hurrah! Bravo Professor! 
Here’s a macintosh ready for you ! ” Upon which I 
gladly threw myself at full length and breathed 
more freely. 
‘ I then looked round and saw nothing 
higher, save the now distant summit of Monte 
Rosa, which had seemed nearer until its true 
magnitude with that of the base of the Cima 
could be appreciated. A keen and strong current 
of biting air from the north-west. All on that 
side, to windward, in bright and cloudless sun- 
shine ; all on the opposite Italian side in closer 
