j / i f
f g j i .
152
iudden gust of wind, was totally covcied with snow, and the good woman buried
twelve feet deep. In this situation she lay six-and-thitty hours, till discovered by the
before-mentioned dog, when she was taken to the convent, and absolutely recovered.
Near this institution is a wall of amazing thickness, which shelters some small buildings
thereunto belonging from the avalancha, or falls of snow, from the neighbouring
mountains. To this succeeds an esitoioJe, or plain, that commands a small lake, as
represented in the drawing (N° XXU) , of considerable depth, on the edge of which
stands the convent, the dreary and arid appearance of which, as well as every surrounding
object, added to the disorder and general confusion which exists, give a most forcible
idea of chaos, or Nature in a state of absolute sterility,—for all is barrenness and
stagnation, nothing like vegetation ; it is, however, a spot consecrated to humanity,
religion, and hospitality, where their votaries have sought an asylum, and practise the
Christian virtues with the greatest energy, enthusiasm, and disinterestedness.
f i i ' i
III
I