PILATUS, Switzerland.—This lofty mountain rises boldly in a rugged and imposing mass, almost isolated from the surrounding heights. Pilatus was formerly one of the best known Swiss mountains, but in later years it was supplanted by the Rigi. An inclined railway extends from the base to the summit, and is said to be one of the boldest undertakings of its kind ever carried through. Many legends are connected with Pilatus. One of the oldest is, that when Pontius Pilate was banished from Galilee he fled hither, and, in the bitterness of his remorse, drowned himself in the lake.
SIMPLON'S PASS, Switzerland.—This is the first Alpine route after Brenner, constructed by order of Napoleon I. A good walker may easily outstrip the "diligence" in ascending from either side, especially if he takes short cuts. At the highest point of the Simplon is a large building, with a lofty flight of stairs, founded by Napoleon, for the reception of travelers, and subject to the same rules as that of the Great St. Bernard. This famous mountain-road is seen in the foreground passing through the town of Simplon, a little village in the very heart of the Alps.
ZERMATT AND THE MATTERHORN, Switzerland.—The former lies in a green valley, with pine-clad slopes, while to the left rises the huge rock-pyramid of the Matterhorn. In no other locality is the traveler so completely admitted into the heart of the Alpine world as here. The Matterhorn was ascended for the first time on the 14th of July, 1865, but the ascent is now frequently made. The rock has been blasted at the most difficult points, and a rope attached to it, so that the most formidable difficulties have been removed; but even now the ascent is seldom made by any but proficient climbers.
CHAMOUNIX AND MONT BLANC.—This Alpine valley is much frequented in summer, owing to its immediate proximity to Mont Blanc. It is inferior in picturesqueness to some other portions of Switzerland, but superior in grandeur of its glaciers, in which respect it has no rival but Zermatt. The picture shows the little village of Chamounix, with its few hotels and peasant homes in the valley below, and the perpetual ice and snow in the background, seemingly but a few minutes' walk away, yet requiring a good two hours' journey on mule-back. Apparent Alpine distances are very deceptive.
ENGLEBERG, Switzerland.—Engleberg is loftily and prettily situated in the great mountain region of the Alps, with a population of about two thousand inhabitants. The church which appears nearest the mountain, is quite ancient, but contains famous modern pictures. The snow-covered mountains, five miles in the distance, change the climate in summer, so that the tourist can wear an overcoat with comfort. The winters are very severe, and on account of the deep snows, the inhabitants are sometimes compelled to remain indoors for eight weeks. The houses and barns are generally under one roof.
ST. GOTTHARD RAILWAY, Switzerland.—The railway here passes through beautiful landscapes, richly wooded with walnut and chestnut trees, on the left bank of the Ticino. Numerous Campaniles in the Italian style, crowning the hills, have a very picturesque effect. The peaks above are covered with snow. From the cliffs on every side, fall cascades. Huge masses of rock lie scattered about. Three tunnels of the railway are seen in the picture, the latter making a descent of three hundred feet by means of two loop-tunnels, one below the other, in cork-screw fashion.
AXENSTRASSE, Switzerland.—This famous road extends nine miles along the Lake of Uri, from Brunnen to Fluelen, and is noted for the remarkable boldness displayed in its construction. It is to a great extent hewn out of solid rock, cut like a shelf into the side of the mountain, with occasional pillars to hold the thousands of tons of rock above, and a strong balustrade to guard travelers from tumbling over the abrupt precipice into the lake many feet below. It is the great highway leading from Switzerland to Italy, and is regarded as one of the most picturesque roads in the world.
PANORAMA OF VIENNA, Austria—The capital of the Empire of Austria and residence of the Emperor, is situated in a plain surrounded by distant mountains, the Danube Canal flowing through a portion of the city. It was originally a Celtic settlement, dating back to 14 A. D. The streets of the present city are narrow, generally well-paved and enclosed by very lofty houses. A great number of old passages through the courts of houses, by means of which pedestrians may often make a short cut, are still seen. In the last quarter of a century, Vienna has acquired an importance as a seat of art.
HOTEL METROPOLE, Vienna, Austria.—On a branch of the Danube, flowing through the heart of the City of Vienna, stands the Hotel Metropole, an enormous building, admirably adapted for travelers. The picture shows a prominent feature in the street architecture of Vienna; and the Metropole is only one of the many private and public buildings of colossal dimensions which have sprung up within the last few years. The interiors of all these structures are generally decorated throughout with painting and sculpture, which shows the perfection attained by the Vienese in the fine arts.
CHURCH OF ST. STEPHEN, Vienna, Austria.—This is the most important edifice in the Austrian capital, dating back in its construction to the thirteenth century. It is constructed of solid limestone, and built in the form of a Latin cross. Below the church are extensive catacombs, consisting of three vaults, filled with bones and skulls. Centuries ago, the sovereigns of Austria were buried in these vaults. The Tower, built between 1860 and 1864, affords an extensive view, embracing the river Danube and the battle-fields of Loban, Wagram and Essling.