(1861)
I. Little Rudy
We will pay a visit to Switzerland, and wander through that country of
mountains, whose steep and rocky sides are overgrown with forest trees.
Let us climb to the dazzling snow-fields at their summits, and descend
again to the green meadows beneath, through which rivers and brooks rush
along as if they could not quickly enough reach the sea and vanish. Fiercely
shines the sun over those deep valleys, as well as upon the heavy masses of
snow which lie on the mountains.
During the year these accumulations thaw or fall in the rolling avalance,
or are piled up in shining glaciers. Two of these glaciers lie in the broad,
rocky cliffs, between the Schreckhorn and the Wetterhorn, near the little
town of Grindelwald. They are wonderful to behold, and therefore in the
summer time strangers come here from all parts of the world to see them.
They cross snow-covered mountains, and travel through the deep valleys, or
ascend for hours, higher and still higher, the valleys appearing to sink lower
and lower as they proceed, and become as small as if seen from an air
balloon. Over the lofty summits of these mountains the clouds often hang
like a dark veil; while beneath in the valley, where many brown, wooden
houses are scattered about, the bright rays of the sun may be shining upon a
little brilliant patch of green, making it appear almost transparent. The
waters foam and dash along in the valleys beneath; the streams from above
trickle and murmur as they fall down the rocky mountain’s side, looking
like glittering silver bands.
On both sides of the mountain-path stand these little wooden houses; and,
as within, there are many children and many mouths to feed, each house has
its own little potato garden. These children rush out in swarms, and
surround travellers, whether on foot or in carriages. They are all clever at
