Page:The Burton Holmes lectures; (IA burtonholmeslect04holm).pdf/134

 AFRICAN SNOW

It is from Bougie that we set out next morning upon our journey overland. I might almost say from coast to coast, for we are to travel southward from the Mediterranean shore to the shore of the sandy sea beyond. We make the first stages of our journey by diligence, a picturesque, and in fine weather not uncomfortable, mode of travel. We take our places on the top of the lumbering vehicle, where we may enjoy the bracing morning air and look upon the glorious scenes that in quick succession are to be unrolled to our bewildered eyes. The first few miles of our progress are mildly picturesque and thoroughly delightful, but later on the scenery becomes magnificent. But that word "magnificent" has been abused so sadly that it now inadequately expresses the grandeur of the rock-bound pass into which we plunge an hour later. Even at the entrance of the Gorges of