AVALANCHES. ARGENTIERE. 5
several seconds between the first motion
of the ice and the time when it struck
against the rocks, and some seconds more
before the sound reached the ear. I could
have waited for hours to observe these
avalanches, but as the sun declined they
were less frequent, and ceased before
evening.
Though the summit of Mont Blanc is
seen from Chamouny, the appearance of
this mountain is rather disappointing; its
height seems lost in its enormous bulk.
To have a distinct view of Mont Blanc, as
a whole, it is necessary to ascend some of
the neighbouring mountains. The Col de
Balme, at the eastern end of the valley,
presents a full view of the valley of Chamouny,
and the range of mountains on each
side of it, comprising Mont Blanc, with the
Aiguilles and glaciers. The Col de Balme is
the direct passage into the Valíais, and a
cross, which marks the boundary of Savoy,
is placed upon it. We engaged mules and
guides to make the ascent, and were
fortunate in the weather, for the day was
clear without being hot. The most pleasing,
and I think the most magnificent, part
of the valley lies between the priory of
Chamouny and the village of Argentière.
It is no longer under the dreary and solemn
shade of Mont Blanc, but numerous majestic
pyramids diversify the scene; the valley
becomes narrow, and is richly ornamented
with trees, and the river Arve, rushing
between finely-clothed rocks and precipices,
enlivens and beautifies this part of
the route. Beyond the Glacier de Bois,
there are two other considerable glaciers ;
the first, that of Argentière, has a large
cavern at the bottom ; the other is called
the Glacier de Tour. The little village of
Argentière, with its church and glittering
spire, and the two lofty Aiguilles above it,
form a most pleasing and sublimely picturesque
scene. The cheerful appearance
of cultivation, with a village and village-
church, is always gratifying amidst lofty
precipices and snow-capped mountains.
We took our char as far as Argentière, to
lessen the fatigue of the journey ; here we
left it till our return, and mounted the
mules. Whilst this was arranging, we saw
some of the inhabitants returning home
to the village ; among others, we remarked
one v/oman of extraordinary beauty and
elegance of form, she was carrying a bundle
R 3