The Furgge glacier; thunder and lightning; the Weissthor given up; excursion by Stalden to Saas; Herr Imseng; the Mattmark See and Hotel; ascent of a boulder; Snow-storm; cold quarters; the Monte Moro; the Allalein glacier; a noble vault; Structure and Dirt-bands; stormy weather; Avalanches at Saas; the Fée glacier; Frozen dust on the Mischabelhörner; Snow, Vapour, and Cloud; curious effect on the hearing; "a Terrible Hole;" singular group; a Song from 'The Robbers'
Need of observations on Alpine Temperature; Balmat's intention; aid from the Royal Society; Difficulties at Chamouni in 1858; the Intendant memorialised; his response; the Séracs revisited; Crevasses and Crumples; bad weather; thermometers placed at the Jardin; Avalanches of the Talèfre; wondrous sky
[25.]—Second Ascent of Mont Blanc (1858).[177]
Shadows of the Aiguilles; Silver Trees at sunrise; M. Necker's letter; Birds as Sparks and Stars against the sky; crevasse bridged; ladder rejected; a hunt for a pont; crevasses crossed; Magnificent Sunset; illuminated clouds; Storm on the Grands Mulets; a Comet discovered; start by starlight; the Petit Plateau a reservoir for avalanches; Balmat's warning; the Grand Plateau at dawn; blue of the ice; Balmat in danger; Clouds upon the Calotte; the Summit; wind and snow-dust; Balmat frostbitten; halt on the Calotte; descent to Chamouni; good conduct of porters
Hostility of Chief Guide; Procès Verbal; the British Association; application to the Sardinian authorities; President's Letter; Royal Society; Testimonial to Balmat
[27.]—Winter Expedition to the Mer de Glace, 1859. [195]
First defeat and fresh attempt; Geneva to Chamouni; deep snow; Desolation; slow progress; a horse in the snow; a struggle; Chamouni on Christmas night; mountains hidden; Climb to the Montanvert; Snow on the Pines; débris of avalanches; Breaking of snow; Atmospheric Changes; the mountains concealed and revealed; colour of the snow; the Montanvert in Winter; footprints in the snow; wonderful frost figures; Crystal Curtain; the Mer de Glace in Winter; the first night; "a rose of dawn;" Crimson Banners of the Aiguilles; the stakes fixed; a Hurricane on the glacier; the second night; Wild Snow-storm; a man in a crevasse; calm; Magnificent Snow Crystals; Sound through the falling snow; swift descent; Source of the Arveiron; Crystal Cave; appearance of water; westward from the vault; Majestic Scene; Farewell