Mi ■ I K. : K5£C^£^ £ Q0 Qg £$^ggm^ Q 5 ^ § LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. | i. ._..UlGL&23 Me// ^-31-J-To- ^ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A MONTH'S TOUR THROUGH THE Alps of Switzerland. Prof. JAMES D.^DANA. ROUTE FOR A M O N T II ' S TO U R i HRoIV.lI THE Alps of Switzerland. James D: : Dana, LL.D., SiHiman Professor of Geology and Mineralogy in Yale College. NEW HAVEN, CONN. : CHARLES C. CHATFIELD & CD. 1871. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by Charles C. Chatfield & Co., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. %1r THE ROUTE THROUGH THE ALPS OF SWITZERLAND. By the route here described the tourist (whether man or woman) may visit, in thirty or thirty-five days, the points of special interest on the principal passes of the Alps, its grandest glaciers included, besides the lakes and much of the scenery of lower Switzerland. The plan in its principal points was laid out for the writer in i860, by Prof. H. de Saussure of Geneva. Only the names of the passes and the prominent places are men- tioned below, as all details as to excursions about each place, even to the names of hotels and expenses of horses and guides, may be learned from the guide-books, either Murray's, published in London, or Baedekers, which is far preferable, and may be had in German, French, or English. The tour is made to commence with Cham- ouni, because this famous region does not give the same pleasure after the rest of the Alps has been seen, and also, because the journey over the Gemmi is easier, and is a source of more constant surprises and delight, when made from the Rhone northward, than when in the op- (4) posite direction. Very many travelers enter Switzer- land by Basle (on the Rhine) and go direct to Inter- laken — distant from Basle by railroad and a boat ride on Lake Thun six to eight hours. But there is railway connection also through Lausanne with Geneva, and the distance is only three or four hours greater ; or one hour more than this if the steamboat on Lake Geneva is taken at Lausanne. The route is as follows : — i. From Geneva to Chamouni, the region of the Mt. Blanc glaciers, visiting Montanvert, the Fle'gere, etc. 2. From Chamouni, by the pass of the Tete Noire (noted for its profound gorges and rocky defiles), or the higher Col de Balme (remarkable for its one view of the Mt. Blanc glacier region, and its aiguilles), to Martigny, on the Rhone — eight to nine hours. 3. From Martigny to the Hospice of Great St. Ber- nard at the summit of the pass (8,200 feet high) to Aosta — eight hours ; next clay back to Martigny. 4. From Martigny up the Rhone to Visp (forty-six miles). Thence to Zermatt, the region of the Mt. Rosa glaciers — nine hours. (St. Nicolas is a half-way station where a night can be spent should circumstances make it desirable, and the next day may then terminate at the Riffelberg inn, two hours beyond Zermatt.) After one or two clays of excursions in the vicinity, return to Visp. [Or substitute for 3 and 4 the following 3* and 4*, in which the tourist avoids doubling on his track, and crosses one of the grand- est of Alpine passes, the San Theodule, 10,897 feet above the sea (5) close by the towering Matterhorn, 14,705 feet high. Ladies fre- quently cross, although passible part of the way only on foot. 3*. From Martigny to the Hospice of Great St. Bernard, and thence to Aosta — in all sixteen hours (or two days). 4*. From Aosta to Breuil through Chatillon (about thirty miles or one day) ; then, if the weather promises to be good, over the San Theodule Pass, to the Riffelberg inn (seven hours, or one day) ; next, a day's excursion to the Corner Grat, etc., terminating at Zermatt. Thence to Visp — nine hours.] 5. From Visp, down the Rhone to Leuk (fifteen miles) ; and thence to Leukerbad (-J-8|m.). Then over the Gemmi (pronounced Ghemmi) to Kandersteg — seven hours ; and down to Interlaken (between Lakes Thun and Brienz) (24^111.), a rapid and remarkably beautiful drive, the latter part of it near the borders of Lake Thun. 6. From Interlaken to Thun and Berne, bv railroad — 2hrs. ' 7. From Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen — 2hrs ; then, over the pass of the Wengern Alp, (directly in front of the Jungfrau) into the Grindelwald valley, into which two glaciers descend — 5hrs. ; an excursion by no means to be neglected. 8. From Grindelwald up the Faulhorn, this summit affording a view of the whole Bernese Oberland ; the excursion should include a night at the summit inn, as a morning view is preferable. Still better, from Inter- laken up the Schydige Platte, even a grander point of view than the Faulhorn : can take the Schvdisfe Platte on the return to Interlaken or Grindelwald from the Faulhorn. (6) 9. From Grindelwald over the pass of the Great Schei- deck, by the foot of the Rosenlaui glacier (and usually in sight of some avalanches) to Meyringen — 7|hrs. Those making the ascent of the Faulhorn may descend in the morning to the Scheideck pass and Meyringen, instead of returning to Grindelwald. 10. From Meyringen up the Grimsel pass to the Grimsel Hospice — "a homely inn" — 7hrs. 1 1. From the Grimsel Hospice to the Aar Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Alps (the one lived on and studied for several seasons by Agassiz) — distant ijhrs. ; an excursion up the glacier may occupy a day. 12. From the Grimsel Hospice over the Furca pass, by the foot of the Rhone Glacier, a cascade glacier, to Hospenthal on the St. Gothard pass — 7|hrs. 13. Down the St. G. pass (best early in the morning or toward sunset), 6 or 7m., to its greatest wonder, the Devil's Bridge and "its savage gorge." [If there is not time to continue the tour farther east- ward, descent may be made by the St. G. pass to L. Lucerne.] 14. From Hospenthal to Andermatt (2m.) and then, over the rather tame pass of the Oberalp, to Dissentis, in the valley of the Rhine (the Vorder Rhein) — 7|hrs* Then by diligence down the valley (along here, as be- low Mayence, that of the "castellated " Rhine) to Reich- enau (4i|m.) at the junction of the "Vorder Rhein" and " Hinter Rhein " (the latter the branch from the south). Reichenau is the place where, in 1793, Louis (7) Phillippe, then Duke de Chartres, was in disguise as Mons. Chabot, the schoolmaster. 15. From Reichenau to Tusis and the wonderful Via Mala on the Splugen pass (a cut in the rocks made for, if not also by, the impetuous upper Rhine, extending for three miles, and in some parts less than thirty feet wide though sixteen hundred feet deep), " perhaps the most sublime and tremendous defile in Switzerland ;" it is best seen when the sun is low and the shadows. long. Return and go to Coire (Chur in German), 6m. [Or, in place of 3, the Gr. St. Bernard pass, which is one of the least interesting of the passes, and also of 14, 15, substitute (by the advice of A. Agassiz) the following : 14*, From Andermatt over the St. Gothard pass to JBellinzona (56 m.) ; and then — 15*, From Bellinzona over the Bernardino and Splugen passes to the Via Mala (60 m.) and Reichenau (-{-11 m.) and thence to Coire {-^-jm.).] 16. From Coire, by railroad, to Ragatz (14m.), and thence (stopping over a train) to the hot springs and baths, gorge and dark chasm of Pfeffers (2^ni.) Thence to Rorschach on Lake Constance (127m.), and St. Gall (-|-9m.) for the night, a place remarkable for its manufac- tures and its thriving American look : or else keep on to Zurich (+S3m.). 17. From Zurich to Lucerne over the Albis ; to the Rigi, Fliielen, Altorf, on Lake Lucerne. The number of traveling days required for this series of excursions is as follows i No. 1. Geneva* Chamouni, « , , 3 days. " 2. To Martigny, i » . * 1 " (8) No. 3. Gt. St. Bernard, .... 2 days. " 4. Visp, Zermatt, Visp, . . . 4 " [or as a substitute, Gt. St. Bernard, Aosta, San Theod. pass, Visp (3* 4*) . . . 6 " ] " 5. Leukerbad, Gemmi, to Interlaken, 1 " " 6-9. Interlaken and vicinity to Meyringen, 4 " " 10,11. Grimsel, Aar Glacier 2 " " 12, 13. Furca, Devil's Bridge 2 " " 14, 15. Oberalp, Reichenau, Via Mala 3 " " 16, 17. Coire, Pfeffers, Zurich, to Lucerne 2 " " 18. At Lucerne and vicinity 2 " Total of traveling days, 26 " A detention of 3 days by bad weather may be looked for, lengthening the time to 29 days. The time may be shortened 2 days by taking one less at Chamouni and Lucerne ; and 8 days more by omitting Nos. 3, and 14 to 18. While the whole tour may be made on foot, yet to put it in the above mentioned time, it will be necessary to use railroads where there are any ; and also to take a vehicle from Kandersteg to Interlaken (No. 5), and the diligence from Dissentis to Reichenau (No. 14), or, over part at least of the St. Gothard and Bernardino passes if these be taken (and also from Sion to Visp, if the projected railroad is not yet completed). The tour should not be begun before the 20th of July if the Mt. Rosa region is to be included ; omitting this the 1st of July will not be too early. But if part of the route is reversed, as below, the tourist may start on the complete tour any time in July that will bring the Mt. Rosa excursion into August, and this plan has the advantage of putting the most remarkable (9) passes and scenes — those about Monte Rosa — toward the last. The course proposed for it is as follows : No. I (of preceding numbers). To and at Chamouni, 3 days. " 2. To Martigny 1 " " 5, Leukerbad, the Gemmi, to Interlaken 1 " " 7,8,9. Interlaken and vicinity 3 " " 6,17. Berne, Lucerne and vicinity 3 " " 17,16. Albis, Zurich, Pfeffers, to Coire 2 " " 15, 14, 13. Reichenau, Via Mala, Oberalp, Andermatt ) ti Devil's Bridge, Hospenthal, J J [or, longer, 15*, 14*, Reichenau, Via Mala, Bernard- ino, Bellinzona, Andermatt, Devil's Bridge] " 12, 11. Furca, Grimsel Hospice, Aar Gl. 2 " A. Grimsel H. to Briegonthe Simplon pass — iohrs. 1 " B. Brieg to Visp (534m) 5 t0 St - Nicolas (+4>< hrs.) 1 " 4, 4* St. Nicolas, Zermatt, Riffelberg inn (7hrs.) 1 " 4* San Theodule pass, to Breuil 1 " 4*, 3* Breuil to Aosta, Gt. St. Bernard, Martigny 3 " In all 26 days • or, omitting the part to Pfeffers, Coire, Reichenau and the Oberalp, 21 days. From Martigny a railroad ride of an hour and a half brings the tourist to the head of Lake Geneva ; and not far on, bordering the lake, are the castle of Chillon, Montreux, Lausanne. From Lausaune, there is a railroad north- ward to Basle, or northeastward to Zurich, Schaffliausen, etc. The expenses of such a trip are approximately as fol- lows : Steamer to and from Bremen, 1st cabin, $240 gold, 2nd cabin (very comfortable), $144 ; from Bremen to Geneva, and from Switzerland to Bremen, by the routes below, $60 ; ^>Z days of excursions in Switzer- land, if taken mostly on foot, with a guide for the prin- cipal passes, not over $90. (A day at the Swiss hotels costs 8 to 10 francs.) Add for 6 days stopping both ( io) on the way to, and from Bremen, $50 (exclusive of traveling expenses already estimated) ; and also 12 p. c. for difference of exchange. This estimate makes the amount in currency required for such as take the 1st cabin to Bremen, about $500, the 2d cabin, $400.^ The route from Bremen to Geneva may be that of the Rhine ; and the most important places to stop at are Cologne, Bonn, Coblenz, Frankfort, Heidelberg, Strasburg, Basle ; the journey from Cologne to Mayence should be made in a boat on the Rhine (this being the part of the river famous for its scenery), and the rest of the way in the cars. On the return from Switzerland to Bremen, the places visited may be Augsburg, Munich, Nuremberg, Dresden, and Leipzig (with Berlin, if time and money hold out) ; then to Bremen. The 2nd class cars on the continent are as good as the ordinary American, and much cheaper than the 1st class — -the latter answering to our palace cars. The French steamers charge for 1st cabin, each way, $140 in gold ; for 2nd cabin $75. Railroad time from Havre to Paris, 6 or 7 hours ; from Paris to Geneva, 15 to 18 hours. The new White Star line of steamers to Liverpool, charges only $80 gold, for the best accommodations ; and the Inman line, $75 ; and hence $500 in currency would enable the tourist to spend a few days in England, and visit, starting from Liverpool, Chester, Manchester, Chatsworth, Birmingham, Warwick, Kenilworth, Strat- ford-on-Avon (the last three places near one another), Oxford, London. From London to Paris the distance (") in time is only n hours. The Inman line advertises to convey passengers from New York to Paris for $90. It is better to go by England or France and return by Bremen. Time: on the ocean, 24 days; to and from Switzerland, after landing, 12 days ; in Switzerland, 30 to S3 days : total, 9 to 10 weeks ; or 24-f-io~|~25=8 l o weeks. Take but little baggage. Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue OF Valuable Educational and Scientific BOOKS PUBLISHED BY Charles C. Chatfield & Co 458 and 460 Chapel Street, (OPPOSITE YALE COLLEGE,) NEW HAVEN, CONN. THE COLLEGE C OUR A NT PRLNT. 1871. OUR PUBLICATIONS WILL BE SENT POST-PAID ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, OR CAN BE OBTAINED OF ANY BOOKSELLER IN THE UNITED STATES. PUBLIC A TIONS. A TEXT-BOOK OF ELEMENTARY CHEMISTRY: THEORETICAL AND INORGANIC. BY GEORGE F. BARKER, M.D., Professor of Physiological Chemistry in Yale College. 102 Illustrations. . . Pp. 350. . . Price $1.75. Single copies to Instructors, for examination, $1.00. Professor Barker's Chemistry was published Nov. 1st, 1870. Advance pages were sent out in September to several institutions which had decided to adopt it as a text-book, so that it was thor- oughly tested in the class-room before it was published. Perhaps no text-book has received such a cordial welcome from distinguished professors of chemistry and educators as this. The author's aim in writing it is clearly shown by the following Extracts from the Preface. The first part of this book is intended to be an elementary treatise upon Theoretical Chemistry. It aims to present the principles of the science as they are held by the best chemists of the day, upon a new plan of treatment which the author has found simple and satis- factory in his own teaching. * * * The second part of the book contains the facts of Inorganic Chemistry, arranged systematically under appropriate heads. To as great an extent as seemed desirable, theory has been applied to explain the formation and properties of compounds. The unsatisfactory classification of the elements into metals and metalloids is discarded, and they are arranged electro- chemically, from negative to positive. * * * The entire book, it is believed, is a fair representation of the present state of Chem- ical science. If much appears in it that is novel, much more has been omitted because unsuited to a strictly elementary book. * * In conclusion, this text-book is offered as a contribution toward making science disciplinary as well as instructive. If it be true that Chemistry already excels in training the powers of perception and of memory, it is unquestionably true that this science is capa- C. C. CHATFIELD & CO. blc of developing the reasoning faculties also. The present attempt to make it available for this purpose, therefore, may fairly ask to be judged, not in the light of its shortcomings alone, but also by the desirability of the end at which it aims." Chemistry having undergone a remarkable revolution within the past ten years, important new discoveries having been made, a true science having been evolved from a heterogeneous mass of facts, there was a great need felt by all Professors and instructors in this department for a text-book strictly scientific in its presentation of modern Chemistry, and at the same time clear and comprehensive to the student. How far this work has met the wants of instruct- ors may be inferred from the few opinions below, which we have selected from hundreds in our possession. Opinions of Professors and Instructors in Chemistry. The clearest and most concise presentation of the new theory which I have seen. This endorsement is made after using the book four months in my classes. — Prof. E. T. Nelson, Hanover Coll., Ind. Experience with the book in teaching has more than confirmed the favorable impression which its first appearance gave. In point of clearness, conciseness and systematic arrangement, it is a model and is without a rival. — Prof. A. W. Wright, Williams College, Mass. It is in my judgment the best work of the kind which has yet ap- peared in our country. It is exact, concise, methodical, and in all respects admirably adapted to thorough work in the class-room. — Wm. F. Phelps, Principal of State Normal School, Minnesota. No teacher of modern chemistry can well get on without this book. Chemistry assumes the form of an exact science when treat- ed in such a masterly manner. Barker's Chemistry is decidedly one of the best of its kind, and we heartily commend it to the no- tice of all teachers and scholars.— Prof C. A. Joy, in Journal of Applied Chemistry. The arrangement of the work is admirable and its exhibition of the principles of chemical science, as held by the leading chemists of the present time, is clear and satisfactory. We are pleased with the book and shall not hesitate to recommend it to those under our instruction. — Prof. C. F. Brackett, in Bowdoin Scientific Review. I have examined it with a good deal of care and am highly pleased with it. Its clear and precise statements of chemical science rec- ommend it as an educational work of the highest character.— Prof Geo. H. Cock, Rutgers College, N J. NEW HAVEN, CONN. • $ It seems to me that it would be impossible to state the principles and facts of elementary chemistry more plainly, concisely and im- pressively.— Prof. F. A. Lord, AID., Chicago, III. Wholly in the spirit of the most advanced thought in the science. — Prof. Wolcott Gibbs, Harvard University. It is the only perfectly satisfactory text-book of Chemistry that I have ever seen. — Prof. F. II. Bradley, East Tennessee University. An attractive book of high grade. Its mechanical execution throughout is unexceptionable. — Prof. Lcroy C. Cooley, Albany State Normal School. It is decidedly the clearest and most satisfactory statement of the new Chemical Theory which has as yet appeared, and I hardly know any other source from which so much information can be ob- tained in regard to modern Chemistry. — Prof. Thomas R. Pynchon Trinity College, Hartford, Conn. The only thorough text-book in Chemistry we possess. — Prof T. R. Noyes, M.D., Oneida, AT. Y. It is a great improvement upon all other text-books now in use oa the same subject.— Cyrus Nutt, D.D., Prest. Ind. State Univ. The first American text-book in Chemistry which possesses suffi- cient intrinsic and specific value to warrant its publication. — Pro/ C. Hinrichs, Icnua State University. I adopt' it as our college text-book in preference to all others. — A r oah K. Davis, President of Bethel College, R~y. An admirable book. * * The clearest exposition, of the pres- ent condition of the subject. * * A great boon to teachers. — Prof. C. F. Chandler, Ph. D., Columbia College, in Am. Chemist. I know of no elementary text-book in the language which equals it in clear and succinct presentation of what has come to be called Modern Chemistry. — Prof. Peter Collier, Univ. of Vermont. I am fully of the opinion that for my college classes, this little work of Prof. Barker is the best introduction to the study of Ele- mentary Chemistry. — Prof J. P. Marshall, Tufts College. It will take a foremost position as a text- book in our academies and colleges.— Samuel Fallows, Supi. of Public Instruction in Wis. To those who wish a concise and elegant summary of the present views of advanced thinkers, with a judicious selection of the most important facts of the science, freed from the burdensome mass of details which distend many of our text-books, comprised in a vol- ume of convenient size and tasteful style, by a chemist who stands among the foremost, both in the extent of his attainments and the progressiveness of his views, this text-book may be confidently rec- ommended. — Prof W. j\ t . Rice, in Zion's Herald, ' C. C. CHATFIELD & CO. Opinions of the Press. Its strict scientific method, its clear, condensed power of state- ment, and above all, its conformity at all points with the most re- cent improvements in the nomenclature of the science, as well as with the latest results of investigations, give it a decided advantage over previous text -books. As a manual to prepare the student for a course of lectures or for laboratory work, it can safely be recom- mended to all teachers of the science. — A 7 *. Y. Evening Post. A compact elementary text book, the first in our language where- in " Modern Chemistry" is presented systematically. The style of the work is concise and animated, the illustrations are fresh, the typography is good and it cannot fail of a hearty welcome among our teachers and learners. — American Journal of Science. The writer of the treatise goes to the very root of the matter, and the scholar who thoroughly masters it, will secure intellectual discipline as well as results of exact science which he can apply to actual life. — Religious Herald, (Hartford, Conn.) It is prepared in accordance with the latest advances in the sci- ence, is full, complete and freely illustrated. It is published in very handsome style. — Boston Advertiser. A treatise which for thorough representation of modern rather than ancient ideas, for compactness of style and arrangement, and for clearness and accuracy of definition is, we think, unsurpassed. — The N. Y. Medical Record. The most systematic and valuable work of its kind ever published in this country. — Wqterbury (Conn.) American. Original in diction, lucid in statement, and fully up to the present state of the science. — Connecticut School Journal. We have never taken up any work of the kind which was so lucid in arrangement, or more beautifully adapted to its purpose as a text-book. — Hartford ( Conn.) Conrant. In scope and style the work is specially adapted to use in schools where science is to be taught thoroughly, even if briefly. — Milwau- kee Sentinel. The name of the author of this manual is a guaranty that its sci- entific and practical value is of a high standard. It is printed in clear, fine type, upon heavy tinted paper, copiously illustrated with exquisite wood cuts, and neatly and substantially bound in muslin. — Chicago Post. We are, after examination, prepared to give the book hearty commendation. It is admirably calculated to introduce beginners into the science of Chemistry. — Scientific American. Such volumes as these are landmarks in the progress of science and scientific instruction. — Congregational Quarterly Review. Altogether it is calculated to prove of the greatest possible ser vice to students. — A T ew York Times. NEW HAVEN, CONN. Specimen Cuts from Prof. Barker's Chemistry. No expense has been spared in the manufacture of the book. It contains 102 wood cuts. The following may serve as specimens : Marsh's Arsenic Apparatus. Crystalline forms of Diamond. Crude Distillation of Sulphur. C. C. CHATFIELD & CO. THE AMERICAN COLLEGES AND THE AMER- ICAN PUBLIC. By Prof. Noah Porter, D.D., Yale College. i2mo, 275 pp. Price $1.50. This book has had a steadily increasing sale since it was pub- lished last June. Every one who is interested in the subject of col- legiate education, and especially in the Yale idea, in contradistinc- tion to that of Harvard, will desire to read this book. The London Saturday Review says that it vindicates very ably, and with a thor- oughness of treatment that argues a complete study of the subject in all its bearings, as well as a long and profound practical experi- ence, the value of classical study as the foundation of all true cul- ture and high education. The book has been read by the wisest educators, and carefully, critically reviewed by the ablest papers in the country. The pub- lishers ask a perusal of the following Opinions of Papers and Individuals. A vigorous defence of the older system of collegiate study, disci- pline and culture. — Congregational is t. The great champion of American colleges is Prof. Porter of Yale College. . . . The best work ever published on this subject of collegiate education.— Springfield Republican. The work abounds with incidental suggestions of great impor- tance to practical educators.— Presbyterian Banner, Pittsburg. We wish the entire American public might read this treatise. It bears upon one of the most important questions relating to the fu- ture welfare of our country. — CJturchmau, Hartford, Conn. We recommend this book to every educator in the land and es- pecially to all educational sciolists and scientific spread-eagles. — Lutheran Observer, Philadelphia. We recommend this volume to every student and intelligent thinker.— A 7 ". Y. Observer. We cannot see how his [Prof. Porter's] arguments are to be set aside. — JV. W. Christian Advocate. It is emphatically a book for the times, treating a subject of vital importance. — Central Baptist, St. Louis, Mo. The book is written in the interests of society, and not of cliques and partizans. — Scottish American. All men interested in the cause of education will welcome Prof. Porter's book as a valuable contribution toward the solution of the inquiry, How can the collegiate system be judiciously improved or changed ? — JV. Y. Times. I have read it with very deep interest. — Prest. McCosh, Princeton. An excellent and valuable work. — Prest. Cummings, Wesleyan. NEW HAVEN, CONN. Able and just presentations our of colleges to the public. — Prest. Anderson, Rochester University. The discussion is not only very reasonable, but thorough, com- prehensive and wise. — President Brown, Hamilton College. An able and scholarly review of the system of instruction pursued in our American colleges.— /V