THE ROUTE TAKEN.

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part of the globe; but considerable differences are observable in this respect. Thus, onthe Alps the snow-line is from 9,300 to 9,000 feet above the sea-level, whereas on theHimalaya it is 16,000 feet. In the space, however, between the snow-line and thesurface of the earth, organic operations take place. Here it is that the vegetable tribesgerminate and grow, that animals find their food, and man discovers what is requisitefor his subsistence ; and though it is too cold for him to settle permanently near thesnow-line, yet, in the season of summer, he visits its vicinity as a grazing-place for hisherds.

The phenomena of mountain-ranges are observable in many parts of the globe ; butto enjoy such scenery in its perfection, there must be a yielding to the glowing words ofthe poet :—

“ The Switzer’s laud! where grandeur is encampedImpregnably in mountain-tents of snow,llealms that by human foot-prints ne’er were stamped,

Where the eagle wheels, and glacial ramparts glow.

Seek, Nature’s -worshipper, these landscapes ! Go,

Where all her fiercest, fairest charms are joined;

Go to the land where Tell drew freedom’s bow;

And in the patriot’s country thou shalt findA semblance ’twixt the scene and his immortal mind.” *

But even to this land, glorious as it is, wc do not intend that our footprints should nowbo restricted. The neighbouring regions of Savoy and Piedmont, with their toweringelevations, arc to form part of the route which wc design to pursue. Nor shall we termi-nate our wanderings, until we have tracked the northern part of Italy , of which we haveheard so much in history and in song, and gathered, whether ascending or descendinglofty elevations, or traversing the valley or the plain, much, we trust, to enlighten anddelight the mind.

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Campbell.