characterises that species of stone, but which it has since again covered by its sediment in its lastemersion.

Besides the above singular circumstance in the upper strata of the Dole, and their extremecontrast with those of the nucleus of the Jura , that mountain contains a number of interestingobjects for the amateurs of botany and lithology. The former will observe the aster Alpinus,mespilus chatmemespilus, veratrum album, orobus luteus, and the androsace villosa, which arethere in the highest perfection ; as likewise the leontopodium Alpinum, the Saturnum nigrum, thebetonica alopecuros, the rnelissa officinalis, the aconitum napellus, the aconitum lycoctonum,the potentilla aurea, the clinopodium Alpinum of Dioscorides , the geranium Alpinum longius -radicatum, See. The two last, which flower only in July, are similar to those I had seen on Mount Baldo , near the lake of Guarda.

Owing to the extreme elevations of the Dole over the lakes of Geneva, Hoses, Joux,Neufchatel, and Morat (every one situated at the base of the Jura ), and its proximity to theprimitive chain of the Alps , the prospect from its summit is one of the most noble and varied thatimagination can conceive. The view, which plunges on nearly the whole surface of the Lake of Geneva , is most agreeably relieved by the soft harmonious tints reflected on its transparent watersby the multiplicity of objects diffused around, and which, when we take a bird's-eye view of them,exhibit the most enchanting landscape of a country to which Nature has been so singularlybountiful. The hills which screen the lake appear, from its vast height, as a plain surface only, onwhich an incredible number of meadows, fields, and vineyards, separated by compartments, as in aplantation or pleasure-ground, are seen promiscuously mixed together; while the cities, towns,villages, and hamlets, convey the idea of being built of cards, if I may be allowed the expression,from their extreme, and yet distinct minuteness. I use this simple comparison, not only by wayof giving a just conception of what they feally appeared at the time, but of the impression theyhave left in my recollection. Yet, of all the objects which most forcibly attracted my attention,and served, if possible, to excite more strongly my enthusiastic admiration of the works of thegreat Author of Nature, to whom the habitable world is not even a point in comparison with theentire extent of his works, was the primordial chain of the Alps . This I could easily discern, inan extent of not less than three hundred miles, describing a kind of circle, which seemed to loweron the right hand and left, as if to exhibit, with greater advantage, the stupendous and formidableMont-Blanc, which occupies the centre of that immense chain.

The summit of the Dole has likewise, from a Custom which I have not been able to trace toits source, been from time immemorial, and still continues to be, the rendez-vous of young peopleof both sexes who reside in the environs, and of the shepherds inhabiting the Jura, who meet there,annually, the two first Sundays in August. The latter furnish themselves with all kinds of laitage,of milk and cream, prepared in various ways, iu a manner peculiar to the country, besides cakes,fruits, &c.; while the holiday-keepers spend these festive seasons in innocent and healthful amuse-ments, such as dancing, leaping, wrestling, and other feats of activity.

Arriving, in one of my former excursions, in that neighbourhood, near the time of one of thoseannual meetings, I determined on staying a few days longer than I had purposed, to witness a scenewhich I might never again have a like opportunity of seeing. I therefore requested the perso 1with whom I resided, who was likewise the proprietor of a couple of chalets *, or dairies, situatedat the foot of the abrupt rock which forms a part of the Dole on the side next the lake, toaccompany me; which he obligingly did. No sooner had we reached the summit of the mountain,than, to my utter astonishment, we perceived not less than seven or eight hundred villagers assem-bled, whose healthy, good-humoured physiognomies, and rustic but cleanly appearance, (for theirlinen might have rivalled the snow in whiteness) sufficiently evinced happiness and content. Scenesof this description are of importance to travellers, as characteristic features of the country.Where happiness is visible, our estimates ought not to be defective.

While, in groups, these happy people were forming their parties, and fixing on their differentpursuits, each countenance seemed elated, and peace and harmony prevailed through the whole.As we were walking, with observant eyes, intermingling with the various parties, composing a

* Small huts, built on the mountains, to which, during the summer months, the Swiss send their cattle to graze,—andwhere they make their cheeses, which are excellent, and much esteemed in the neighbouring countries.