Copy 1, Volume 1

The gallery of nature and art; or, a tour through creation and science. Comprising new and entertaining descriptions of the most surprising volcanoes, caverns, cataracts, whirlpools, waterfalls, earthquakes, and other wonderful and stupendous phenomena of nature. Forming a rich and comprehensive view of all that is interesting and curious in every part of the habitable world. By the Rev. E. Polehampton, and John M. Good, F.R.S. Illustrated by one hundred engravings / [Edward Thomas William Polehampton].

Polehampton, Edward (Edward Thomas William), 1777?-1830.

Date:: 1821

Credit: The gallery of nature and art; or, a tour through creation and science. Comprising new and entertaining descriptions of the most surprising volcanoes, caverns, cataracts, whirlpools, waterfalls, earthquakes, and other wonderful and stupendous phenomena of nature. Forming a rich and comprehensive view of all that is interesting and curious in every part of the habitable world. By the Rev. E. Polehampton, and John M. Good, F.R.S. Illustrated by one hundred engravings / [Edward Thomas William Polehampton]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

495/570 page 461

SECTION IV. Volcanic Peak of Snefell Jokul. [From Mr. Briegut’s Narration.] AFTER a hesitation of an hour or two, on account of the doubtful appearance of the day, Mr. Holland and myself, with our interpre- ter, and one of our guides, who was very desirous of accompanying us, put ourselves under the direction of a stout Icelander, who under- took to be our leader in the ascent of the Jokul. He, however, honestly confessed, that he had never been higher up the mountain than the verge of the perpetual snow, as the sheep never wandered beyond that limit; but this was also the case with the other inhabi- tants of the district. Every one of us provided himself with an Ice- land walking staff, furnished with a long spike at the end; and, in case of need, we carried some pairs of large coarse worsted stock- ings of the country manufacture. We likewise had our hammers and bags for specimens, a compass and thermometer, a bottle of brandy, with some rye-bread and cheese. Thus equipped, we set forward on our march ; and having passed two or three cottages, whose inhabitants gazed with wonder at our expedition, we directed our course in nearly a straight line towards the margin of the snow. The nearer we approached it, vegetation became more and more scanty, and at length almost entirely disap- peared. After walking at a steady pace for two hours, in which time we had gone about six miles, we came to the first snow, and prepared ourselves for the more arduous part of our enterprize. The road being now alike new to all, we were as competent as our guides to the direction of our further course. The summits of all the surrounding mountains were covered with mist; but the Jokul was perfectly clear; and as the sun did not shine so bright as to dazzle our eyes with the reflection from the snow, we entertained good hopes of accomplishing our purpose. During the first hour the ascent was not very difficult, and the snow was sufficiently soft to yield to the pressure of our feet. After that time the acclivity was steeper, the snow became harder, and deep fissures appeared in it, which we were obliged tu cross, or to avoid by going a consider- able way round, These fissures presented a very beautiful spectacle ;

Licence and re-use

Contents

Volumes