In spite of minor mishaps, such as slipping into the stream "and an ignominious tumble or two, we reached the summit in high spirits and record.time, and under a. splendid larch were' afforded a magnificent panorama of the surrounding country. Then came the need of refreshments jand warm clothing, after which we lay speechless with exhaustion, basking jin the sunlight and glory of such an achievement. We were allowed a bare quarter-hour for rest and nourishment; it was too cool at this height to risk losing one's "mountain legs" by a lengthy interval.
The descent was far more dificult than anticipated, Slithering down was effective and labour-saving, (with utter disregard for one's clothing), but just a little too speedy and precarious. Swinging from one tree trunk to the next was more practical, and a wary choosing of the "best" franch advocated (wild vines look Jail very well, but are apt to let you [down badly in such cases!). Mos-quitees and small flies insisted on [lodging themselves in one's optics and attacking at the mest crucial moment, regardless of pendulous attitudes oF inability to relallate, Considering the tangled _undergrowth, our scanty costumes and the Jconstant, simultaneous use of all one's imps in the ups and downs of the expedition, we arrived at the garden Jgate- remarkably intact, with but a few scratches, an extra coat of tan, and "null secundus™ appetites.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.