The great range of the Himalayas are always standing as a lure to the intrepid mountaineer. One day, Mount Everest, with its defiant 29,000 feet, will be scaled: but that is not yet. Last year a great feat was accomplished in the climbing of the almost equally defiant 25,009 feet of Mount Kamet.
This adventure is vividly deseribed by the leader of the expedition, Mr, F. S. Smythe, in "Kamet Conquered" (Gollancz). Mr. Smythe is not only a great climber; he is also a writer of outstanding ability. His story, and the story of his English companions with a devoted staff of native bearers, is one which is enough to make the ordinary man's hair stand on end. The last 3,000 feet demanded a combination of courage, skill and strength, which with engaging modesty are brought home to the reader.
It is not given to many of us to climb mighty mountains. It is impossible for any save mountainces to enjoy fully the vision of the great peaks; but such a record as "Kamet Conquered' almost seizes the safe town-dweller and drags him up to the terrible solitudes,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.