Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/71

Rh bold peaks and horns. These rambles are sometimes fatiguing, but nevertheless indescribably refreshing, full of surprises and romantic natural scenery.

I have sketched “Rubli-horn;” and taken leave of my acquaintance in the bee-hive, amongst whom I shall miss an earnest, delightful young English couple, as fresh and full of the soul's life as the Alpine scenery itself, and whom I have occasionally taken with me on my mountain rambles. In a few hours I set off to Chateau-d'Œx, where I shall remain a couple of weeks, and shall study the life of the Free Church in conversation with one of its most pious and learned teachers, Pastor B.

, July 26th.—My chateau is, for the present, a little Chaumière on the slope of a verdant mountain, at the southeastern end of Chateau-d'Œx Valley. The valley of Chateau-d'Œx is the largest and most important of these highland valleys, containing several villages and a wealthy population. It is considerably more open and of a more cheerful character than that of Rossinières. The pyramidal heights, which, of ever-varying form, inclose the large lower pastures, and within the recesses of which are many lesser valleys and heights, appear of a lower altitude. La Sarine here roars along a broader bed, with a greater wealth of water. In the middle of the valley, rises a large, round hill, where stood in ancient times the fortified tower which ruled it, and on which now stands the church, amid a garland of leafy trees. From my little room, which with its three windows is much more airy, more comfortable and agreeable than that I had in the great bee-hive, or in the elegant