a
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rise considerably towards their summit; but, next to the Jake, they lower or decline as
remarkably, apparently extending under the water. It is certain that they exhibit different
appearances, as to their direction, in various parts of these mountains,—such as
convex, concave,—sometimes in the form of an arch or vault, and even doubling or
turning over themselves; in short, in a kind of confused and disordered state. From
these appearances, there is every reason to suppose that these singular effects may most
probably have been the consequences of some violent and sudden convulsion, operating
in the bowels of the earth, in that particular chain of the Aips, at a time when the sea
still deluged that part of our continent, before its strata had acquired the state of consistency
which in general characterises that species of stone, but which it has since
again covered by its sediment in its last emersion.
Besides the above singular circumstance in the upper strata of the Dole, and their
extreme contrast with those of the nucleus of the Jura, that mountain contams a number
of interesting objects for the amateurs of botany and lithology. The former will observe
the aster Alpimis, mespibts ckarruanespilus, veTatmm album, orobus luleus, and the
androsace villosa, which are there in the highest perfection; as likewise the kontopodium
Alpimim, the Satumum nigrum, the betónica alopecuros, the melissa officinalis, the aconitum
napellus, the aconiium lycoctonum, the potentilla aurea, the elinopodium Alpinum of
Dioscorides, the geranium Alpinum longius-radicalum, &c. The two last, which flower
only in July, are similar to those I had seen on Mount Baldo, near the Lake of Guarda.
Owing to the extreme elevations of the Dole over the Lakes of Geneva, Roses,
J o u x , Neufchatel, and Morat (every one situated at the base of the Jura), and its
proximity to the primitive chain of the Alps, the prospect from its summit is one of the
most noble and varied that imagination can conceive. The view, which plunges on
nearly the whole surface of the Lake of Geneva, is most agreeably relieved by the soft
harmonious tints reflected on its transparent waters by the multiplicity of objects diffused
around, and which, when we take a bird's-eye view of them, exhibit the most
enchanting landscape of a country to which Nature has been so singularly bountiful.
The hills which screen the lake appear, from its vast height, as a plain surface only, on
which an incredible number of meadows, fields, and vineyards, separated by compartments,
as in a plantation or pleasure-ground, are seen promiscuously mixed together;
while the cities, towns, villages, and hamlets, convey the idea of being built of cards, if
I may be allowed the expression, from their extreme, and yet distinct minuteness. I use
this simple comparison, not only by way of giving a just conception of what they really
appeared at the time, but of the impression they have left in my recollection. Yet, of
all the objects which most forcibly attracted my attention, and served, if possible, to
excite more strongly my enthusiastic admiration of the works of the great Author of
Nature, to whom the habitable world is not even a point in comparison with the entire
extent of his works, was the primordial chain of the Alps. This I could easily discern,
in an extent of not less than three hundred miles, describing a kind of circle, which
seemed to lower on the right hand and left, as if to exhibit, with greater advantage, the
stupendous and formidable Mont-Blanc, which occupies the centre of that immense
chain,
The summit of the D6le has likewise, from a custom which I have not been able to
trace to its source, been from time immemorial, and still continues to be, the rendez
vous of young people of both sexes who reside in the environs, and of the shepherds
inhabiting the Jura, who meet there, annually, the two first Sundays in August.
The latter furnish themselves with all kinds of laitage, of milk and cream, prepared in
various ways, in a manner peculiar to the country, besides cakes, fruits, &c. ; while
the holiday-keepers spend these festive seasons in innocent and healthful amusements,
such as dancing, leaping, wrestling, and other feats of activity.
Arriving, in one of my former excursions, in that neighbourhood, near the time of
one of those annual meetings, I determined on staying a few days longer than I bad purposed,
to witness a scene which I might never again have a like opportunity of seeing.
I therefore requested the person with whom I resided, who was likewise the
proprietor of a couple of chalets*, or dairies, situated at the foot of the abrupt rock
which forms a part of the Dole on the side next the lake, to accompany me ; which he
obligingly did. No sooner had we reached the summit of the mountain, than, to my
utter astonishment, we perceived not less than seven or eight hundred villagers assembled,
whose healthy, good-humoured physiognomies, and rustic but cleanly appearance,
(for their linen might have rivaled the snow in whiteness) sufficiently evinced happiness and
content. Scenes of this description are of importance to travelers, as characteristic features
of the country. Where happiness is visible, our estimates ought not to be defective.
* Small Imts, built on Uie mountains, to vvliicli, during tlic summer montlis, the Swiss send their cattle to
graze,—and where they make their clieesos, wliicl» nre excellent, and much esteemed in lite neighbouring
countries.