114

IIOUKS OF EXERCISE IX THE ALPS.

[1861

X.

INSPECTION OF THE MATTERHORN .

Ox the afternoon of the 20th we quitted Eanda,with a threatening sky overhead. The consideratePhilomene compelled us to take an umbrella, whichwe soon found useful. The flood-gates of heavenwere unlocked, while, defended by our cotton canopy,Bennen and myself walked arm-in-arm to Zermatt .I instantly found myself in the midst of a circle ofpleasant friends, some of whom had just returnedfrom a successful attempt upon the Lyskamm. Onthe 22nd quite a crowd of travellers crossed theTheodule Pass; and, knowing that every corner ofthe hotel at Breuil would be taken up, I halted aday, so as to allow the people to disperse. Breuilcommands a view of the southern side of the Matter­ horn ; and it was now an object with me to discover,if possible, upon the true peak of this formidablemountain, some ledge or cranny where three menmight spend a night. The mountain may be ac-cessible or inaccessible, but one thing seems certain,that starting from Breuil , or even from the chalets