,! ,HI/ORY ( A ,M\NTA9 

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,PEOPLE 3 

,AU?OR 3 ,ELISEE ,RECLUS 

,TAGS 3 SUMMIT ( ! M\NTA91 ORIG9 ( ! M\NTA91 =E/S & PA/URES1 PLANTS & ANIMALS1 WOODS & PA/URES1 SACR$ M\NTA9S1 SACR$ M\NTA91 GREAT M\NTA9S1 HUMAN RACE1 M\NTA94 

,TEXT 3 

  

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"9 ,I ,W,A,S SAD1 D[NCA/1 WE>Y ( MY LIFE4 ,FATE ,LAD  DEALT H>DLY ) ME 2 IT HAD ROBB$ ME ( ALL :O W]E  DE> TO ME1 HAD RU9$ MY PLANS1 FRU/RAT$ ALL MY HOPES4  ,PEOPLE :OM ,I CALL$ MY FRI5DS HAD TURN$ AGA9/ ME  :5 !Y BEHELD ME ASSAIL$ BY MIS=TUNE 2 ALL MANK9D1 ) ITS CONFLICT+ 9T]E/S & ITS UNRE/RA9$  PASSIONS1 APPE>$ REPULSIVE 9 MY EYES4 ,CO/ :AT IT MI<T1 ,I WAS DET]M9$ TO RUN AWAY1 EI!R TO DIE1 OR 9  SOLITUDE TO REGA9 MY VIGOR & PEACE ( M9D4  

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,)\T KN[+ EXACTLY :I!R MY /EPS W]E LEAD+ ME1 ,I TURN$ T[>DS ?OSE GREAT M\NTA9S :OSE  JAGG$ CRE/S ,I BEHELD BREAK+ ! DI/ANT L9E ( !  HORIZON4  

,ON ,I W5T1 FOLL[+ BY - PA?S1 & 9 ! EV5+  /OPP+ BE=E ISOLAT$ 9NS4 ,! S\ND ( A HUMAN  VOICE1 ! NOISE ( A FOOT/EP1 MADE ME %UDD] 2 BUT  :5 ,I WAS WALK+- ALONE ,I LI/5$ ) MELAN*OLY  PLEASURE TO ! BIRDS S++1 ! RIV] MURMUR+1  & ! ?\S& /RA9S PROCE$+ FROM ! VA/  WOODS4  

,WALK+1 AS *ANCE L$ ME1 EI!R ALONG ! HI<-ROAD  OR FOOTPA?1 AT LA/ ,I REA*$ ! FIR/ DEFILE ( ! M\NTA94 ,! WIDE PLA91 SCOR$ ) 9D5TATIONS1 /OPP$  ABRUPTLY AT ! FOOT ( ! ROCKS & SLOPES %AD$ BY  *E/NUT - TREES4 ,! L(TY BLUE PEAKS1 SE5 FROM AF>1  HAD DISAPPE>$ BEH9D O!R CRE/S1 :I* W]E NOT SO  HI<1 YET NE>] TO ME4 ,BY MY SIDE ! RIV]1 :I*1  L[] D[N1 FALL+ OV] B\LD]S1 EXT5D$ 9TO A VA/  %EET ( WAT]1 FL[$ RAPIDLY D[N BETWE5 ! %9+  ROCKS1 CLAD ) A BLACKI%-HU$ MOSS4 ,ABOVE EA* BANK  A L[ HILL1 ! FIR/ LESS] *A9 ( ! M\NTA9S1 RE>$  UP ITS ESC>PM5TS & BORE UPON ITS SUMMIT ! RU9S  ( A L>GE T[]1 =M]LY ! W>D] ( ! VALLEY4 ,T  FELT %UT 9 BETWE5 TWO W R ALLS 2 ,I HAD QUITT$ ! REGION  ( L>GE T[NS1 ( SMOKE & HUBBUB2 5EMIES & FALSE  FRI5DS W]E LEFT BEH9D4  

,IT WAS ! FIR/ TIME = V]Y LONG ?AT ,I HAD FELT A  S5SATION ( REAL GLADNESS4 ,MY /EP BECAME BRISK]1 MY  GLANCE MORE CONFID5T 2 ,I /OOD /ILL ?AT ,I MI<T 5JOY ! DELI<T ( 9HAL+ ! PURE AIR COM+ D[N FROM  ! M\NTA94  

,!RE >E NO MORE /ONE1 DU/1 OR MUD COV]$ HI<ROADS 9 ?IS C\NTRY3 N[ ,I 0HAVE LEFT ! L[ -LY+  PLA9S 2 ,I AM 9 ! M\NTA91 :I* NO H& HAS YET  SUBDU$ 6 ,A FOOT-TRACK =M$ BY GOATS & GOA!RDS  TURNS ASIDE FROM ! BROAD] ROAD1 :I* FOLL[S ! BOTTOM ( ! VALLEY1 & ASC5DS OBLIQUELY ALONG ! HILLSIDE4 ,?IS IS ! ROAD :I* ,I TAKE1 SO ?AT ,I MAY BE  QUITE SURE 4( AT LA/ BE+ ALONE4 ,EV]Y /EP BR++  ME HI<]1 ,I NOTICE H[ ! PEOPLE WALK+ ALONG !  PA? B5EA? GRADUALLY GR[ SMALL] & SMALL]4 ,!  HAMLETS & VILLAGES >E HALF HIDD5 FROM MY SI<T BY  !IR [N SMOKE1 A BLUI%-GRAY MI/ :I* CREEPS SL[LY  OV] ! HEI<TS1 & ON ITS WAY LEAVES FRAGM5TS ( ITSELF CL++ TO ! \TSKIRTS ( ! =E/4  

,T[>DS EV5+1 AFT] HAV+ MADE ! CIRCUIT ( SEV]AL ROCKY DECLIVITIES1 HAV+ PASS$ OV] NUM]\S RAV9ES1 & CROSS$ MANY BRAWL+ /REAMLETS BY JUMP+  FROM /ONE TO /ONE1 ,I REA*$ ! BASE ( A HEI<T RIS+ F> ABOVE ROCKS1 WOODS1 & PA/URES4 ,AT ! TOP A  SMOKY CAB91 & %EEP GRAZ+ ON ! SLOPES >\ND1  APPE>$ 9 SI<T4 ,?IS YELL[I% PA? W\ND UPW>DS  TO ! CAB9 LIKE A PIECE ( UNROLL$ RIBBON1 & !RE  SEEM$ TO /OP4 ,F>!R ON1 ,I C\LD DISC]N NO?+ BUT  GREAT /ONY RAV9ES1 L&SLIPS1 WAT]FALLS1 SN[1 & GLACI]S' ,?IS WAS ! LA/ HABITATION ( MAN4 ,IT WAS !  CAB9 :I* = LONG MON?S %\LD S]VE AS MY PLACE  ( REFUGE4 ,A DOG1 !N A %EPH]D1 RECEIV$ ME AS IF  !Y W]E FRI5DS4  

,H5CE=W>D1 BE+ FREE1 ,I ALL[$ NATURE SL[LY TO  R5EW MY LIFE4 ,AT TIMES ,I W\LD W&] 9 ! MID/ ( A *AOS ( /ONES1 :I* HAD BE5 HURL$ D[N FROM  A ROCKY RIDGE 2 AT O!RS ,I W\LD WALK AS *ANCE L$ ME  9 A =E/ ( P9E-TREES 2 !N1 AGA91 ,I W\LD CLIMB TO  ! UPP] CRE/S1 & SEAT MYSELF UPON SOME PEAK OV]LOOK+ ! :OLE SC5E 2 (T5 ,I W\LD PLUNGE 9TO A  DEEP1 BLACK RAV9E1 9 :I* ,I C\LD IMAG9E ?AT ,I HAD  FL$ 9TO ! B[ELS ( ! E>?4  

,GRADUALLY1 UND] ! 9FLU5CE ( TIME & NATURE1 !  LUGUBRI\S PHANTOMS :I* HAUNT$ MY MEMORY RELAX$  !IR HOLD4 ,I NO LONG] WALK$ M]ELY TO ESCAPE FROM  MY RECOLLECTIONS1 BUT ALSO TO ALL[ MYSELF TO BE IMBU$  ) ! IMPRESSIONS ( ALL >\ND ME1 & TO 5JOY !M  AS IF UNCONSCI\SLY4  

,IF EV]1 S9CE HAV+ SET MY FOOT UPON ! M\NTA91  ,I HAD EXP]I5C$ A S5SATION ( GLADNESS1 IT WAS [+  TO ! FACT ( MY HAV+ 5T]$ 9TO SOLITUDE1 & ?AT  ROCKS1 =E/S1 A :OLE NEW WORLD1 HAD RIS5 UP BETWE5  ME & ! PA/ 2 YET ONE F9E DAY ,I UND]/OOD ?AT A  NEW PASSION HAD CREPT 9TO MY S\L4 ,I LOV$ ! M\NTA9 = ITS [N SAKE4 ,I LOV$ ITS SUP]B CALM FACE1 LI<T$ UP BY ! SUN :ILE WE W]E /ILL LEFT 9 GLOOM 2 ,I  LOV$ ITS MI<TY %\LD]S1 LAD5 ) ICE FULL ( BLUE  REFLECTIONS2 ITS SIDES1 :]EON PA/URES ALT]NAT$ )  =E/S & WA/E GR\ND 2 ITS HUGE ROOTS /RET*$ \T  AF> LIKE ?OSE ( AN 5ORM\S TREE1 SEP>AT$ BY VALLEYS1  ) !IR RESPECTIVE RIVULETS1 CASCADES1 LAKES1 & MEAD[S2 ,I LOV$ EV]Y?+ BELONG+ TO ! M\NTA91  D[N TO ! YELL[ OR GRE5 MOSS GR[+ UPON !  ROCKS1 D[N TO ! /ONE GLEAM+ 9 ! MID/ ( !  TURF4  

,JU/ 9 ! SAME MANN] ! %EPH]D1 :O1 AS A REPRES5TATIVE ( ?AT HUMANK9D FROM :I* ,I WAS ESCAP+1 AT FIR/ ALMO/ DISPLEAS$ ME1 HAD GRADUALLY BECOME  NECESS>Y TO ME 2 ,I FELT MY CONFID5CE 9 & FRI5D%IP  = HIM AWAK54 ,I NO LONG] CONF9$ MYSELF TO ?ANK+ HIM = ! FOOD :I* HE BR\<T & ! S]VICES  :I* HE R5D]$ ME4 ,BUT ,I /UDI$ HIM 2 ,I TRI$ TO  LE>N ALL ?AT HE C\LD TEA* ME4 ,V]Y SL5D] W]E  HIS APPLIANCES = 9/RUCTION 2 BUT :5 ONCE ! LOVE  ( NATURE HAD TAK5 POSSESSION ( ME1 IT WAS HE :O  TAU<T ME TO KN[ ! M\NTA9 ON :I* ! FLOCKS GRAZ$ & AT :OSE BASE HE WAS BORN4 ,HE TOLD ME  ! NAMES ( ! PLANTS1 %[$ ME ! ROCKS 9 :I*  CRY/ALS & R>E /ONES W]E TO BE F\ND1 ACCOMPANI$  ME TO ! $GES ( DIZZY :IRLPOOLS TO PO9T \T ! L9E  ,I MU/ PURSUE :]E IT WAS DIFFICULT TO CROSS4 ,FROM !  TOP ( ! PEAKS HE 9DICAT$ ! VALLEYS1 TRAC$ \T !  C\RSE ( ! TORR5TS2 !N1 HAV+ RETURN$ TO \R  SMOKY CAB91 RELAT$ TO ME ! HI/ORY ( ! C\NTRY  & ITS LOCAL LEG5DS4  

,9 EX*ANGE1 ,I EXPLA9$ MANY ?+S TO HIM :I*  HE DID NOT1 & HAD NEV] EV5 DESIR$ TO1 UND]/&4  ,BUT HIS 9TELLIG5CE EXP&$ BY DEGREES2 IT BECAME RAPACI\S4 ,:5 ,I SAW HIS EYE BRI<T5 & HIS LIPS  SMILE1 ,I TOOK DELI<T 9 REPEAT+ TO HIM ! LITTLE ?AT ,I  KNEW4 ,9TELLECT DAWN$ UPON ?AT FACE1 UNTIL LATELY SO  DULL & HEAVY4 ,FROM BE+ AS C>ELESS AS HE HAD HI!RTO BE51 HE WAS METAMORPHOS$ 9TO A MAN CAPABLE (  REFLECT+ BO? ON HIMSELF & ! OBJECTS SURR\ND+  HIM4  

,&1 :ILE TEA*+ MY COMPANION1 ,I TAU<T MYSELF2  =1 9 TRY+ TO EXPLA9 NATURE'S PH5OM5A TO ! %EPH]D1 ,I 5D$ 9 UND]/&+ !M BETT]1 & BECAME MY [N PUPIL4 ,?US 9CIT$ BY ! D\BLE 9T]E/ :I* ! LOVE (  NATURE & SYMPA?Y ) RNY COMPANION IMP>T$ TO  ME1 ,I 5DEAVOR$ TO BECOME ACQUA9T$ BO? ) !  PRES5T LIFE & PA/ HI/ORY ( ! M\NTA9 UPON :I*  WE DWELT LIKE P>ASITES UPON AN ELEPHANT'S HIDE4 ,I /UDI$ ! 5ORM\S MASS1 9 ! ROCKS ( :I* IT IS =M$ 2 9 ! IRREGUL>ITIES ( ! GR\ND :I*1 ACCORD+  TO ! DIFF]5T PO9TS ( VIEW1 ! H\RS & ! SEASONS  IMP>T$ TO IT SU* GREAT DIV]SITY ( ASPECTS1 SO LOVELY  OR SO T]RIBLE4 ,I /UDI$ IT 9 ITS SN[1 ITS ICE1 & !  WEA!R ?AT ASSAIL$ IT 2 9 ! PLANTS & ANIMALS 9HABIT+ ITS SURFACE4  

,I ALSO /ROVE TO UND]/& :AT 9FLU5CE ! M\NTA9 HAD HAD UPON ! POETRY 0& HI/ORY ( NATIONS1 !  P>T IT HAD PLAY$ 9 ! MOVEM5TS ( ! DIFF]5T  PEOPLES & 9 ! PROGRESS ( ALL MANK9D4  

,?AT :I* ,I DID LE>N ,I [E TO ! COOP]ATION (  MY %EPH]D1 & ALSO1 S9CE ,I \<T TO TELL EV]Y?+1 TO ?AT ( ! CREEP+ 9SECTS1 ( ! BUTT]FLIES &  BIRDS ( SONG4  

,HAD ,I NOT SP5T LONG H\RS 0LY+ ON ! GRASS1 WAT*+ OR LI/5+ TO ?OSE T9Y BE+S1 MY BRO!RS1 P]HAPS ,I %\LD NOT SO WELL HAVE UND]/OOD H[ ALIVE IS  ALSO ?AT VA/ E>? :I* BE>S 9 ITS BOSOM ALL ?OSE 9F9ITELY SMALL CREATURES1 & C>RIES !M AWAY ) US  9TO UNFA?OMABLE SPACE4 

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,S,E,5 FROM ! PLA91 ! M\NTA9 IS ( A V]Y SIMPLE  =M 2 IT IS A SMALL1 JAGG$ CONE1 RIS+1 AMID O!R PO9TS  ( UNEQUAL HEI<T1 UPON A BLUE WALL /REAK$ ) P9K  & :ITE1 :I* B\NDS ONE 5TIRE SIDE ( ! HORIZON4  ,IT WAS AS IF ,I W]E LOOK+ FROM AF> AT A MON/] SAW  ) UNEV5LY CUT TEE? 2 ONE ( !SE TEE? IS ! M\NTA9 UPON :I* W&]$ MY FEET4  

,NEV]!LESS1 ! SMALL CONE :I* ,I DI/+UI%$  FROM ITS 9F]IOR COMPANIONS1 A SIMPLE GRA9 ( S&  UPON ?AT GRA9 ( S& :I* IS ! E>?1 N[ APPE>$  TO ME LIKE A WORLD4 ,FROM MY HUT ,I CAN EASILY SEE1 A FEW  HUNDR$ Y>DS ABOVE MY HEAD1 A RIDGE ( ROCK :I*  SEEMS TO BE ! SUMMIT1 YET NO SOON] DO ,I CLIMB UP TO  IT ?AN ANO!R PEAK RISES UP BEYOND ! SN[4 ,I GA9  A SECOND T]RACE1 & ! M\NTA9 APPE>S AGA9 TO  *ANGE ITS =M4 ,FROM EV]Y PO9T1 EV]Y RAV9E1 EV]Y  DECLIVITY1 ! L&SCAPE IS DISPLAY$ UND] A FRE% ASPECT1 UND] ANO!R =M4 ,TAK5 BY ITSELF1 ! M\NTA9 IS A :OLE GR\P ( M\NTA9S1 JU/ AS 9 ! MID/  ( ! SEA EA* BILL[ IS BUILT UP ( 9NUM]ABLE T9Y  WAVELETS4 ,TO UND]/& ! >*ITECTURE ( ! :OLE  M\NTA91 IT MU/ BE /UDI$1 BE SURVEY$ 9 EV]Y DIRECTION 2 EV]Y ELEVATION %\LD BE ASC5D$1 EV]Y GORGE P5ETRAT$4 ,LIKE EV]Y?+ ELSE1 IT IS 9EXHAU/IBLE =  ALL :O WI% TO KN[ IT 9 ITS 5TIRETY4  

,! HEI<T UPON :I* ,I BE/ LOV$ TO SIT WAS NOT !  CR[N+ ELEVATION :]E ,I MI<T PLACE MYSELF LIKE A  K+ UPON A ?RONE1 !NCE TO CONTEMPLATE ! K+DOMS  EXT5D$ AT HIS FEET4 ,I FELT HAPPI] UPON ! NEXT L[]  SUMMIT1 :5CE MY GLANCE C\LD AT ! SAME TIME DESC5D TO ! L[E/ SLOPES1 !N RISE AGA91 FOOT BY FOOT1  T[>DS ! UPP] WALLS1 & TO ! PEAK PI]C+ !  AZURE HEAV5S4 ,!RE1 )\T NE$+ TO REPRESS !  S5SATION ( PRIDE :I* ,I %\LD HAVE EXP]I5C$ 9  SPITE ( MYSELF UPON ! CULM9AT+ APEX ( ! M\NTA91 ,I C\LD 5JOY ! DELI<T ( FEA/+ MY GAZE UPON  ! BEAUTIES PRES5T$ BY ! SN[1 ! ROCKS1 ! =E/S1 & PA/URES4 ,I HOV]$ HALF WAY UP BETWE5 !  TWO ZONES ( E>? & SKY1 & ,I FELT FREE )\T BE+  ISOLAT$4 ,NO:]E ELSE C\LD A SWEET] S5SATION (  PEACE FILL MY HE>T4  

,IT IS A GREAT DELI<T TO ATTA9 A HI< PO9T1 OV]LOOK+  A VIEW ( PEAKS1 VALLEYS1 & PLA9S4 ,) :AT PLEASURE1 :AT EC/ASY ( ! S5SES1 DO WE CONTEMPLATE 9 ONE  G5]AL PANORAMA ! 5ORM\S $IFICE ( :I* WE OCCUPY ! P9NACLE 6 ,B5EA?1 UPON ! L[] SLOPES1 ONLY  ONE PORTION ( ! M\NTA9 IS VISIBLE1 OR AT MO/ ONE  SIDE 2 BUT FROM ! SUMMIT ALL ! TOPS CAN BE DISC]N$  D[N TO ! SMALL HILLS & HEADL&S ( ! BASE4 ,AS  EQUALS WE GAZE UPON ! 5CIRCL+ M\NTA9S 2 LIKE !M1  \R HEADS >E 9 PURE AIR & LI<T 2 WE SO> TO ! FREE  SKY LIKE AN EAGLE :OSE FLI<T BE>S HIM ABOVE ! DULL  PLANET4 ,AT \R FEET1 F> BEL[ ! PEAK1 WE BEHOLD ?AT  :I* ! MULTITUDE B5EA? T]M ! SKY 2 !Y >E  CL\DS :I*1 TRAVEL+ SL[LY ALONG ! M\NTA9'S SIDES1 R5D !MSELVES UPON ! PROJECT+ ANGLES ( !  ROCKS & \TSKIRTS ( ! WOODS1 LEAV+ %R$S ( FOG  H]E & !RE 9 ! RAV9ES1 !N1 SAIL+ AWAY OV] !  PLA9S1 CA/ !IR GREAT %AD[ UPON ! GR\ND 9 EV]-V>Y+ =M4 ,FROM ! TOP ( ?IS SPL5DID OBS]VATORY NO RIV]S CAN BE SE5 MAK+ !IR WAY LIKE !  CL\DS :5CE !Y TOOK !IR BIR?1 BUT !IR MOTION IS  REVEAL$ BY ! NOISY UPRO> ( ! WAT] HE>D AF> (F  FROM TIME TO TIME1 EI!R ISSU+ FROM ! RIV5 GLACI]S  OR 9 ! SMALL LAKES & CASCADES FTI ! VALLEY1 OR ME&]+ G5TLY ?R\< ! L[] L&SCAPE4 ,9 ?IS  SC5E ( AMPHI!AT]S1 RAV9ES1 GORGES1 DALES1 WE TAKE  P>T1 AS IF WE HAD SUDD5LY BECOME IMMORTAL1 9 !  GREAT GEOLOGICAL WORK ( ! EXCAVAT+ WAT]S AS !Y  EMPTY !IR BAS9S 9 EV]Y DIRECTION >\ND ! PRIMITIVE MASS ( ! M\NTA94 ,WE SEE !M1 SO TO SAY1 9CESSANTLY *ISEL+ ! 5ORM\S OBJECT SO AS TO C>RY  AWAY ! DEBRIS :]E) TO LEVEL ! PLA91 TO TILL UP  SOME OCEAN BAY4 ,I CAN DI/+UI% ?AT BAY FROM !  SUMMIT ON TO :I* ,I HAVE CLIMB$ 2 !RE BEL[ LIES  EXT5D$ ?AT GREAT ABYSS1 ! BLUE OCEAN1 :5CE !  M\NTA9 HAS GONE =?1 & :I!R1 SOON] OR LAT]1 IT  MU/ RETURN4  

,AS TO MAN1 HE IS 9VISIBLE1 BUT ,I IMAG9E HIM4 ,LIKE  NE/S HALF HIDD5 9 ! BRAN*ES1 ,I CAN DISC]N COTTAGES1  HAMLETS1 VILLAGES1 DISP]S$ 9 ! VALLEYS & UPON !  SIDES ( ! V]DANT HILLS4 ,!RE BEL[1 B5EA? !  SMOKE1 UND] A LAY] ( AIR VITIAT$ BY ! BREA? ( 9NUM]ABLE P]SONS1 SOME?+ :ITE 9DICATES A L>GE  CITY4 ,! H\SES1 ! PALACES1 ! L(TY T[]S1 ! CUPOLAS1 ALL M]GE 9TO ONE DIRTY1 D+Y COLOR1 :I* MI<T  BE DESCRIB$ AS A SORT ( MOLD9ESS1 CONTRA/+ ) ! FRE%] T9TS ( ! SURR\ND+ C\NTRY4 ,!N ,I ?9K  SADLY ( ALL ! P]FIDY & WICK$NESS BE+ 5ACT$  9 ?AT ANT-HILL1 ( ALL ! VISES F]M5T+ B5EA? ?AT  ALMO/ 9VISIBLE PU/ULE 2 BUT1 SE5 FROM ! SUMMIT1  ! IMM5SE PANORAMA ( ! C\NTRY IS BEAUTIFUL AS A  :OLE1 ) ITS T[NS1 VILLAGES1 & ISOLAT$ H\SES1 :I*  H]E & !RE BRI<T5 ! SC5E B5EA? ! LI<T 9  :I* !Y >E BA!D2 ! D>K SPOTS"9 BL5D ) ALL  ?AT SURR\NDS !M 9 ONE H>MONI\S :OLE 2 ! ATMOSPH]E %$S ITS AAURE MANTLE OV] ! 5TIRE PLA94  

,GREAT IS ! DIFF]5CE BETWE5 ! TRUE =M ( \R  PICTURESQUE M\NTA91 SO RI* 9 ITS V>I\S ASPECTS1 &  ?AT :I* ,I ASCRIB$ TO IT 9 MY *ILDHOOD :5 LOOK+ AT ! MAPS :I* MY TUTOR MADE ME /UDY 2 ,I !N  PICTUR$ TO MYSELF A P]FECTLY REGUL> ISOLAT$ MASS1 SLOP+ EQUALLY ALL R\ND ITS CIRCUMF]5CE1 G5TLY R\ND$  AT ! TOP1 AT ! BASE SLI<TLY 9FLECT$ & 9S5SIBLY  LOS+ ITSELF 9 ! PLA9S4 ,!RE >E NO SU* M\NTA9S  9 ! WORLD4 ,EV5 ! VOLCANOES :I* SPR+ UP  S+LY1 F> REMOV$ FROM ANY O!R GR\PS1 & :I*  GR[ LITTLE BY LITTLE AS !Y EJECT C9D]S & LAVA SIDEWAYS UPON !IR DECLIVITIES1 DO NOT POSSESS ?AT GEOMETRICAL REGUL>ITY4 ,! DIS*>GE ( !SE 9T]NAL SUB/ANCES IS SOMETIMES PRODUC$ FROM ! C5TRAL CRAT]1  SOMETIMES FROM ! SIDE CREVICES 2 SMALL SUBORD9ATE VOLCANOES SPR+ UP H]E & !RE UPON ! SLOPES ( !  PR9CIPAL M\NTA91 RAIS+ UP HEAPS ON ITS SURFACE4  ,EV5 ! V]Y W9D LABORS TO IMP>T AN IRREGUL> %APE  TO IT BY CAUS+ ! %[]S ( C9D]S1 VOMIT$ =?  DUR+ ! ]UPTION1 TO FALL ACCORD+ TO ITS WILL4  

,BUT C\LD WE COMP>E \R M\NTA91 AN OLD WITNESS  ( =M] AGES1 TO A VOLCANO1 A M\NTA9 BORN YE/]DAY1 & :I*1 AS YET1 HAS H>DLY )/OOD ! ONSLAU<TS  ( WEA!R8 ,EV] S9CE ! DAY ON :I* ?AT CORN]  ( ! E>? :]EON WE LIVE ASSUM$ ITS FIR/ 9EQUALITY1  DE/9$ TO BE GRADUALLY TRANS=M$ 9TO A M\NTA91  NATURE1 :I* IS ! MOTIVE =CE1 HAS LABOR$ )\T  RELAXATION TO MODIFY ! ASPECT ( ?AT PROTUB]ANCE 2  H]E IT HAS RAIS$ UP1 ELSE:]E IT HAS DEPRESS$1 !  MASS 2 MADE IT BRI/LE ) PEAKS1 /UDD$ IT ) CUPOLAS & DOMES1 HAS 9CL9$1 B5T1 EXCAVAT$1 *ISEL$1  TOIL$ 9T]M9ABLY AT ! EV]-*ANG+ SURFACE2 &  N[1 EV5 BE=E \R EYES1 ! TASK /ILL GOES ON4 ,TO  ! SPIRIT :I* HAS WAT*$ ! M\NTA9 DUR+ !  LAPSE ( AGES1 IT MU/ HAVE APPE>$ AS FLUCTUAT+1 AS  UNC]TA91 AS ! OCEAN BILL[S LA%$ BY ! /ORM 2 IT IS  A WAVE1 A VAPOR2 :5 IT %ALL HAVE DISAPPE>$1 IT WILL  BE BUT AS A DREAM4  

,YET AMID ?IS *ANG+ OR EV]-V>Y+ ORNAM5TATION1 PRODUC$ BY ! CONT9UAL ACTION ( ! =CES (  NATURE1 ! M\NTA9 DOES NOT CEASE TO PRES5T A SORT (  SUP]B RHY?M TO ANY ONE :O W&]S AB\T IT1 9 ORD]  TO LE>N ITS CON/RUCTION4 ,:E!R ! CULM9AT+ PORTION IS A BROAD PLATEAU1 A R\ND$ MASS1 A V]TICAL WALL1  A RIDGE1 AN ISOLAT$ PYRAMID1 OR EV5 A CLU/] ( DI/9CT  NE$LES1 ! :OLE M\NTA9 PRES5TS A G5]AL ASPECT  :I* H>MONIZES ) ?AT ( ! SUMMIT4 ,FROM !  C5T] ( ! MASS TO ! BASE ( ! M\NTA91 O!R  PEAKS1 OR GR\PS ( SUBORD9ATE PEAKS1 SUCCE$ ONE ANO!R ON EV]Y SIDE 2 SOMETIMES EV5 AT ! FOOT ( !  LA/ *A9 :I* BORD]S ! ALLUVION ( ! PLA9 OR !  WAT]S ( ! OCEAN1 A M9IATURE COPY ( ! M\NTA9  MAY BE SE5 SPR++ UP AS A SMALL HILLOCK1 9 ! MID/  ( ! FIELDS1 OR AS A ROCK \T ( ! BOSOM ( ! WAT]S4 

,! \TL9ES ( ALL !SE HEI<TS1 SUCCE$+ ONE ANO!R  AS !Y 9CL9E GRADUALLY OR ABRUPTLY1 PRES5T A S]IES (  MO/ GRACEFUL UNDULATIONS4 ,?IS S9U\S L9E UNIT+  ! SUMMITS ( ! PR9CIPAL PEAK TO ! PLA9 IS !  TRUE SLOPE IT IS ! ROAD :I* A GIANT %OD ) MAGIC  BOOTS W\LD TAKE4  

,! M\NTA9 :I* SO LONG %ELT]$ ME IS BEAUTIFUL  & S]5E BEYOND ALL O!RS 9 ! CALM REGUL>ITY (  ITS FEATURES4 ,FROM ! HI<E/ PA/URES ! GREAT PEAK  CAN BE SE5 RIS+ UP LIKE A PYRAMID ( IRREGUL> TI]S4  ,! CONTRA/ ( ! :IT5ESS ( ! PAT*ES ( SN[  FILL+ UP ! HOLL[S IMP>T TO IT A SOMB]1 ALMO/ BLACK1  T9T 2 BUT ! GRE5 ( ! TURF1 COV]+ ! DI/ANT SUBORD9ATE HEI<TS1 APPE>S ALL ! S(T] 9 \R SI<T 2 &  \R EYES1 AS !Y AGA9 TRAVEL D[N ! 5ORM\S =MIDABLE-LOOK+ MASS1 RE/ ) EC/ASY UPON ! S(T UNDULATIONS ( ! PA/URE GR\NDS 3 !Y >E SO GRACEFUL  9 !IR CONT\R1 SO VELVETY 9 APPE>ANCE1 ?AT WE 9VOLUNT>ILY ?9K ( ! DELI<T A GIANT W\LD FEEL 9  C>ESS+ !M ) HIS H&S4 ,F>!R D[N1 ABRUPT  DECLIVITIES1 ROCKY CLIFFS1 & L[] *A9S CLAD ) WOODS1  TO A GREAT EXT5T CONCEAL ! M\NTA9'S SIDES FROM ME 2  BUT ! :OLE APPE>S ALL ! HI<]1 ! MORE SUBLIME  FROM ! FACT ?AT MY GLANCE CAN ONLY EMBRACE ONE PORTION AT A TIME1 AS IT W\LD A /ATUE :OSE P$E/AL REMA9S HIDD5 2 IT IS RESPL5D5T 9 ! SKY1 9 ! REGION  ( CL\DS1 9 ! PURE LI<T4  

,! BEAUTY ( ! HOLL[S1 ! *ASMS1 ! DALES1 OR  ! DEFILES CORRESPONDS ) ?AT ( EV]Y K9D ( PEAK  & PROJECTION4 ,BETWE5 ! SUMMIT ( \R M\NTA9  & ! NEXT NE>E/ PO9T ! CRE/ DIPS CONSID]ABLY1  & LEAVES A V]Y EASY PASSAGE BETWE5 ! TWO OPPOSITE DECLIVITIES4 ,IT IS AT ?IS DEPRESSION ( ! RIDGE ?AT !  FIR/ 9D5TATION ( ! OP5 S]P5T9E VALLEY 5T]S !  TWO M\NTA9S4 ,TO ?IS 9D5TATION O!RS >E ADD$ 2  !N MORE AGA91 SCOR+ ! SURFACE ( ! ROCKS &'  MEET+ 9 RAV9ES1 :I* !MSELVES CONV]GE T[>DS  A CIRCLE1 :5CE1 BY A S]IES ( DEFILES & TI]S ( BAS9S1  ! SN[ RUNS (F & ! WAT]S DESC5D 9TO ! VALLEY4  

,YOND]1 :]E ! GR\ND 9CL9ES V]Y SLI<TLY1 FIELDS1  CLU/]S ( COMMON TREES1 GR\PS ( H\SES1 BEG9 TO APPE>4 ,ON EV]Y SIDE DALES1 SOME ( A LOVELY1 O!RS ( A  SEV]E ASPECT1 B5D T[>DS ! PR9CIPAL VALLEY4 ,AWAY  BEYOND A DI/ANT TURN+1 ! VALLEY DISAPPE>S FROM \R  VISION 2 BUT IF WE DO LOSE SI<T ( ! BOTTOM1 AT LEA/ WE  CAN IMAG9E ITS G5]AL =M & CONT\R BY ! MORE  OR LESS P>ALLEL L9ES PRES5T$ BY ! \TL9ES ( !  L[] *A9S4 ,TAK5 AS A :OLE1 ! VALLEY1 ) ITS 9NUM]ABLE RAMIFICATIONS P5ETRAT+ 9TO ! DEP?S (  ! M\NTA91 MAY BE COMP>$ TO TREES :OSE ?\S&S ( BRAN*ES >E DIVID$ & SUBDIVID$ 9TO DELICATE TWIGS4 ,IT IS BY ! =M ( ! VALLEY & ALL ITS  NETWORK ( DALES ?AT WE CAN BE/ UND]/& ! REAL  ELEVATION ( ! M\NTA9S SEP>AT+ !M4  

,DO WE NOT1 FROM ?OSE SUMMITS :5CE \R EYES CAN  ROAM MO/ FREELY OV] ! C\NTRY1 SEE A GREAT NUMB]  ( PEAKS :I* WE COMP>E ONE ) ANO!R1 & EA*  ( :I* 5ABLES US TO UND]/& ! RE/ 8 ,ABOVE !  S9U\S $GE ( ! HEI<T RIS+ FROM ! YOND] SIDE  ( ! VALLEY A SECOND \TL9E ( A RANGE CAN BE DI/+UI%$ ALREADY ASSUM+ A BLUI% HUE1 & AGA9 BEYOND  IT A ?IRD OR EV5 A F\R? S]IES ( AZURE M\NTA9S4  ,!SE *A9S1 :I* ALL EV5TUALLY BECOME ATTA*$ TO ! GREAT RIDGE ( ! PR9CIPAL SUMMITS1 >E BUT SLI<TLY  P>ALLEL TO ONE ANO!R1 DESPITE !IR 9D5TATIONS1 & AT  ONE TIME APPE> TO APPROA*1 !N TO REC$E1 ACCORD+  TO ! FREAKS ( ! CL\DS & ! PROGRESS ( ! SUN4  ,TWICE A DAY ! IMM5SE PANORAMA ( M\NTA9S IS  /EADILY UNROLL$1 :5 ! OBLIQUE MORN+ & EV5+ RAYS SUCCESSIVELY LEAVE 9 ! %AD[ ?AT PORTION (  ! GR\ND TURN$ T[>DS NI<T1 & BA! 9 LI<T  ?AT :I* FACES DAY4 ,FROM ! MO/ DI/ANT WE/]N  PEAKS TO ?OSE :I* CAN H>DLY BE DI/+UI%$ 9 !  EA/1 !RE IS ONE H>MONI\S SCALE ( EV]Y COLOR &  %ADE :I* CAN BE PRODUC$ BY ! EFFULG5CE ( !  SUN & ! TRANSP>5CY ( ! ATMOSPH]E4 ,AMONG  !SE M\NTA9S >E SOME :I* A BREA? C\LD EFFACE1  SO EPHEM]AL >E !Y 9 TONE1 SO DELICATELY TRAC$ UPON  ! SKY1 !IR BACKGR\ND4  

,IF BUT A SLI<T VAPOR >ISES1 AN IMP]CEPTIBLE MI/  =MS ON ! HORIZON1 OR ONLY ! SUN 9 ITS DECL9E ALL[S  ! %AD[S TO 9CREASE1 !N !SE BEAUTIFUL M\NTA9S1  ?IS SN[1 !SE GLACI]S1 !SE PYRAMIDS1 VANI% BY DEGREES1 AS 9 ! TW9KL+ ( AN EYE4 ,WE BEHELD !M  9 !IR SPL5DOR1 & N[ !Y HAVE DISAPPE>$ FROM  ! SKY 2 !Y >E BUT A DREAM1 A VAGUE MEMORY4  

,*,A,P,T,] ,I,I,I4  

,R,O,C,K,S ,& ,C,R,Y,/,A,L,S4  

,! H>D ROCK ( ! M\NTA9S1 AS WELL AS ?AT EXT5D+ B5EA? ! PLA9S1 IS COV]$ ALMO/ EV]Y:]E  ) A MORE OR LESS DEEP LAY] ( VEGETABLE MOLD &  ) V>IETIES ( PLANTS4 ,H]E !RE >E =E/S1 ELSE:]E BRU%WOOD1 HEA!R1 :ORTLEB]RIES1 FURZE 2 9  O!R PLACES1 AGA91 & TO ! GREATE/ EXT5T1 ! %ORT  GRASS ( PA/URES4 ,EV5 :]E ! ROCK APPE>S NAK$1  OR JUTS \T 9 PO9TS1 OR RISES AS A WALL1 ! /ONE IS CLAD  ) :ITE1 R$1 OR YELL[ LI*5S1 :I* (T5 IMP>T A  SIMIL> APPE>ANCE TO ROCKS ( ! MO/ DIFF]5T ORIG94  ,H>DLY EV]1 EV5 9 ! COLD REGIONS ( ! SUMMITS1 AT  ! FOOT ( GLACI]S1 & ON ! CONF9ES ( ! SN[1  DOES ! /ONE APPE> )\T A COV] ( VEGETATION TO  DISGUISE IT4 ,S&/ONE1 LIME/ONE1 GRANITE1 TO AN UNOBS]VANT TRAVEL] W\LD SEEM TO BE ( ONE & ! SAME  =MATION4 ,YET ! DIV]SITY ( ! ROCKS IS GREAT4 ,!  M9]ALOGI/ :O W&]S1 HAMM] 9 H&1 ?R\<  ! M\NTA9S MAY COLLECT HUNDR$S & ?\S&S (  /ONES DIFF]+ 9 APPE>ANCE1 YET :OSE CON/RUCTION IS  9TIMATELY CONNECT$4 ,SOME >E ( A UNI=M GRA9  ?R\<\T 2 O!RS >E COMPOS$ ( DIFF]5T ATOMS1 CONTRA/+ 9 %APE1 COLOR1 & BRILLIANCY4 ,SOME >E SPECKL$1 RIDG$1 OR GROOV$1 TRANSP>5T1 TRANSLUC5T1 & OPAQUE4 ,SOME >E TO BE SE5 BRI/L+ ) CRY/ALS1  ) REGUL> FACETS 2 O!RS1 AGA91 >E ORNAM5T$ )  >BORIZATIONS1 SIMIL> TO BUN*ES ( TAM>9D OR F]N  FRONDS4 ,ALL K9DS ( METALS >E F\ND 9 /ONES1 :E!R 9 !IR PURE /ATE OR M+L$ ONE ) ANO!R2 AT  ONE TIME !Y DISCOV] !MSELVES AS CRY/ALS OR NODULES1  AT O!RS AS SIMPLE FUGITIVE ]OSIONS1 SIMIL> TO ! BRILLIANT REFLECTIONS 9 A SOAP-BUBBLE4 ,!N1 TOO1 !RE >E  9NUM]ABLE ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE FOSSILS 5CLOS$ 9 !  ROCK1 & ( :I* IT RETA9S ! IMPRESSION4 ,AS MANY  SEP>ATE FRAGM5TS AS !RE >E1 SO MANY DIFF]5T EVID5CES >E TO BE F\ND ( ! CREATURES :I* HAVE EXI/$ DUR+ ! 9CALCULABLE S]IES ( PA/ C5TURIES4  

,)\T BE+ EI!R A PR(ESSIONAL M9]ALOGI/ OR  GEOLOGI/1 ! TRAVEL] :O UND]/&S H[ TO LOOK CAN  P]FECTLY SEE H[ WOND]FUL IS ! DIV]SITY ( ROCKS  COMPOS+ ! MASS ( ! M\NTA94 ,SU* IS ! CONTRA/ BETWE5 ! DIFF]5T P>TS ( ! VA/ $IFICE ?AT1  EV5 FROM A DI/ANCE1 WE CAN RECOGNIZE TO :AT =MATION !Y BELONG4 ,FROM ANY ISOLAT$ PEAK OV]LOOK+ AN  EXT5SIVE EXPANSE1 IT IS EASY TO DI/+UI% ! CRE/ (  ! GRANITE DOME1 ! PYRAMID ( SLATE1 & ! WALL (  CALC>E\S ROCK4  

,IT IS 9 ! IMM$IATE VIC9ITY ( ! PR9CIPAL SUMMIT ( \R M\NTA9 ?AT ! GRANITE BE/ REVEALS ITSELF4  ,!RE A RIDGE ( BLACK ROCKS SEP>ATES TWO FIELDS ( SN[1  SPREAD+ \T !IR SP>KL+ :IT5ESS ON EI!R SIDE4  ,!Y MI<T BE DESCRIB$ AS A DIADEM ( JET UPON A MUSL9 VEIL4 ,IT IS BY ?IS RIDGE ?AT IT IS EASIE/ TO GA9 !  CULM9AT+ PO9T ( ! M\NTA91 = !RE ! C]VASSES1 HIDD5 B5EA? ! UNI=M SURFACE ( ! SN[1  >E AVOID$4 ,!RE WE CAN PLANT \R FEET FIRMLY UPON ! GR\ND1 :ILE BY MEANS ( \R >RAS WE EASILY RAISE  \RSELVES UP /EP BY /EP 9 ! /EEP PLACES4 ,IT WAS BY  ?AT R\TE ?AT ,I ALMO/ ALWAYS MADE MY ASC5T :51  LEAV+ ! FLOCK & MY COMPANION ! %EPH]D1 ,I  W5T TO SP5D SOME H\RS ON ! GREAT PEAK4  

,SE5 FROM A DI/ANCE ?R\< ! BLUI% VAPORS ( !  ATMOSPH]E1 ! GRANITE RIDGE APPE>$ UNI=M 5\<4  ,! M\NTA9E]S1 PRACTICAL & ALMO/ %REWD 9 !IR  COMP>ISONS1 T]M IT A COMB 2 9DE$1 IT MI<T BE SAID TO  BE A R[ ( REGUL>LY >RANG$ PO9T$ TEE? 2 BUT :5  9 ! MID/ ( ! ROCK1 WE F9D \RSELVES 9 A SORT (  *AOS2 NE$LES1 TOTT]+ /ONES1 HEAP$ -UP B\LD]S1  /RATA SUP]POS$ ONE ABOVE ANO!R1 OV]HANG+ T[]S1 WALLS PROPP+ !MSELVES UP AGA9/ EA* O!R &  LEAV+ N>R[ PASSAGES BETWE5 !M SU* IS ! RIDGE  =M+ ! ANGLE ( ! M\NTA94 ,EV5 UPON !SE  HEI<TS ! ROCK IS ALMO/ UNIV]SALLY COV]$ ) A  COAT ( LI*5S 2 BUT 9 MANY PLACES IT HAS BE5 LAID B>E  BY ! FRICTION ( ICE1 ! MOI/URE ( ! SN[1 ! ACTION ( FRO/S1 RA91 W9D1 & ! SUN'S RAYS4 ,O!R  ROCKS1 R5T BY ?UND]1 HAVE BECOME MAGNETIC FROM !  %OCK ( ! CELE/IAL FIRE4  

,9 ! MID/ ( !SE RU9S1 IT IS EASY TO OBS]VE :AT1  UNTIL QUITE REC5TLY1 WAS ! 9T]IOR ( ! ROCK4 ,I P]CEIVE CRY/ALS 9 ALL !IR BRILLIANCY1 :ITE QU>TZ1 FELSP>  ( A PALE ROSE COLOR1 MICA RESEMBL+ A SILV] SPANGLE4  ,9 O!R PORTIONS ( ! M\NTA9 ! EXPOS$ GRANITE  PRES5TS A FRE% ASPECT 3 9 ONE ROCK IT IS :ITE AS M>BLE1 & SPR9KL$ OV] ) SMALL BLACK SPOTS 2 ELSE:]E IT IS BLUE & SOMB]4 ,ALMO/ EV]Y:]E IT IS  V]Y H>D1 & ! SLABS :I* MI<T BE CUT \T ( IT  W\LD S]VE = ! CON/RUCTION ( LA/+ MONUM5TS2 BUT 9 O!C PLACES IT IS SO FRIABLE1 ! V>I\S CRY/ALS 9  IT >E SO SLI<TLY AGGREGAT$1 ?AT A MAN CAN EASILY CRU%  !M BETWE5 HIS F+]S4 ,A /REAM1 TAK+ ITS RISE AT  ! FOOT ( A HEI<T COMPOS$ ( ?IS SO SLI<TLY COHESIVE MAT]IAL1 SPREADS \T 9 ! RAV9E ABOVE A B$ (  ! F9E/ S&1 ALL 4SP>KL+ ) MICA4 ,WE MI<T IMAG9E ?AT WE BEHELD GOLD & SILV] GLEAM+ ?R\<  ! RIPPL+ WAT]4 ,MORE ?AN ONE RU/IC COM+ FROM  ! PLA9S HAS BE5 DECEIV$1 & HAS EAG]LY RU%$  UPON ! TREASURE1 :I* ! MOCK+ /REAM C>ELESSLY SWEEPS AWAY4  

,! 9CESSANT ACTION ( ! SN[ & WAT] P]MITS US  TO OBS]VE ANO!R SPECIES ( ROCK1 :I* ALSO EXI/S TO A  GREAT EXT5T 9 ! MASS ( ! IMM5SE $IFICE4 ,NOT  F> FROM ! RIDGES & DOMES ( GRANITE1 :I* >E !  MO/ ELEVAT$ PORTIONS ( ! M\NTA91 & SEEM1 SO TO  SAY1 TO BE ITS CORE1 ANO!R SUBORD9ATE PEAK APPE>S1  :OSE ASPECT IS ( A REM>KABLE REGUL>ITY 2 IT MI<T BE  DESCRIB$ AS A F\R-SID$ PYRAMID1 PLAC$ UPON ! 5ORM\S P$E/AL =M$' = IT BY ! PLATEAUX & DECLIVITIES4 ,IT IS A SUMMIT COMPOS$ ( SLATE ROCKS1 :I* TIME1  ) ALL ITS ATMOSPH]IC *ANGES ( W9D1 SOL> RAYS1 SN[1  FOG1 & RA91 9CESSANTLY P>ES AWAY4 ,! SPLIT SLABS (  SLATE BECOME FISSUR$1 BROK51 &1 9 SLID+ MASSES1 ROLL  RI<T D[N ! SLOPE4 ,SOMETIMES A %EEP'S LI<T /EP  SUFFICES TO SET MYRIADS ( /ONES 9 MOTION UPON ! :OLE  SIDE ( A M\NTA94  

,QUITE DIFF]5T FROM ! SLATE IS ! CALC>E\S ROCK1  :I* =MS SOME ( ! =EMO/ CRAGS4 ,?IS ROCK1  :5 BROK51 IS NOT %IV]$ 9TO C\NTLESS T9Y FRAGM5TS1 BUT 9TO GREAT BLOCKS4 ,SU* A FRACTURE HAS R5T A  :OLE ROCK1 ?REE HUNDR$ Y>DS HI<1 FROM ! BASE TO ! SUMMIT2 ON EI!R SIDE WE SEE ! TWO V]TICAL WALLS  REA*+ UP TO ! SKY 2 ! LI<T CAN H>DLY P5ETRATE TO  ! BOTTOM ( ! *ASM1 & ! WAT] :]E) IT IS  FILL$1 & ?AT HAS COME D[N FROM ! SN[Y HEI<TS1  ONLY REFLECTS ! CLE>NESS FROM ABOVE 9 ITS SEE?+ RAPIDS & ! DA%+ SPRAY ( ITS CASCADES4 ,NO:]E1 NOT  EV5 9 M\NTA9S T5 TIMES AS HI<1 DOES NATURE APPE>  GR&]4 ,FROM AF> ! CALC>E\S PORTION ( ! M\NTA9 RESUMES ITS TRUE PROPORTIONS1 & WE SEE ?AT IT IS  COMM&$ BY MU* L(TI] ROCKY MASSES1 BUT IT ALWAYS  SURPRISES US BY ! MI<TY BEAUTY ( ITS LAY]S & UPRI<T ROCKS1 RESEMBL+ ,BABYLONIAN TEMPLES4  

,V]Y PICTURESQUE1 AL?\< RELATIVELY ( SLI<T IMPORTANCE1 >E ! S&/ONE & CONGLOM]ATE ROCKS1 COMPOS$ ( CEM5T$ FRAGM5TS4 ,9 EV]Y P>T :]E !  9CL9E ( ! GR\ND FAVORS ! ACTION ( ! WAT]1 !  LATT] TEMP]S ! CEM5T & DIGS \T A GUTT] = ITSELF  A N>R[ FISSURE1 :I* 9 C\RSE ( TIME 5DS BY SAW+ ! ROCK 9 TWO4 ,O!R WAT]C\RSES HAVE SIMIL>LY  DUG \T O!R FISSURES NE> ! LESS] ONES1 DEEP] 9 PROPORTION TO ! GREAT] ABUNDANCE ( ! LIQUID MASS BORNE  AWAY 2 ! ROCK ?US CUT 9 HALF AT LA/ RESEMBLES A LABYR9? ( OBELISKS1 T[]S1 & =TRESSES4 ,SOME ( !SE  FRAGM5TS ( M\NTA9S N[ REM9D US ( DES]T$ T[NS1  ) !IR DAMP1 S9U\S /REETS1 CR5ELAT$ WALLS1 DUNGEONS1 OV]HANG+ T[]S1 & CURI\S /ATUES4 ,I /ILL  RECOLLECT ! IMPRESSION ( SURPRISE BORD]+ ON FE>  :I* ,I FELT ON APPROA*+ ! OP5+ ( A GORGE  ALREADY 9VAD$ BY ! %ADES ( EV5+4 ,AF> (F ,I  P]CEIV$ ! BLACK FISSURE 2 BUT BESIDE ! 5TRANCE ON  ! SUMMIT ( ! M\NTA9 ,I ALSO REM>K$ /RANGE  =MS1 :I* LOOK$ LIKE GIANTS 9 A R[4 ,!Y W]E HI< COLUMNS ( CLAY1 EA* BE>+ UPON ITS APEX A GREAT  R\ND /ONE1 :I* FROM A DI/ANCE SEEM$ TO BE A HEAD 2  ! RA9 HAD BY DEGREES DISSOLV$ & WA%$ AWAY !  SURR\ND+ SOIL1 BUT ! POND]\S /ONES HAD BE5  RESPECT$1 & BY !IR WEI<T CONT9U$ TO IMP>T CONSI/5CY TO ! GIGANTIC PILL>S ( CLAY SUPPORT+ !M4  

,EV]Y CRAG1 EV]Y ROCK BELONG+ TO ! M\NTA91  ?US HAS ITS [N PECULI> ASPECT1 ACCORD+ TO ! MAT]IAL COMPOS+ IT & ITS P[] ( RESI/+ ! ELEM5TS  ( DECAY4 ,?US >ISES AN 9F9ITE V>IETY ( =MS1 :I*  IS /ILL MORE 9CREAS$ BY ! CONTRA/ PRES5T$ TO !  EXT]IOR ( ! ROCKS BY ! SN[1 GRASS1 =E/S1 & CULTIVATION4 ,! PICTURESQU5ESS ( ! L9ES & GR\ND  IS AUGM5T$ BY ! CONT9UAL *ANGES ( ,ORNAM5TATION UND]GONE BY ! SURFACE4 ,& YET H[ V]Y FEW  9 NUMB] >E ! ELEM5TS COMPOS+ ! M\NTA91  & :I* BY !IR MIXTURE IMP>T TO IT ?IS PRODIGI\S  V>IETY ( ASPECTS 6  

,! *EMI/S1 :O 9 !IR LABORATORIES ANALYZE !  ROCK1 TEA* US :AT IS ! COMPOSITION ( !SE DIFF]5T  CRY/ALS4 ,!Y TELL US ?AT QU>TZ IS SILICA1 ?AT IS TO SAY1  OXIDE ( SILICON1 A METAL :I*1 9 ITS PUR] /ATE1 RESEMBLES SILV]1 & :5 MIX$ ) ! OXYG5 ( ! AIR  HAS BECOME A :ITI% ROCK4 ,!Y ALSO TELL US ?AT FELSP>1 MICA1 AUGITE1 HORNBL5DE1 & O!R CRY/ALS :I*  >E F\ND 9 SU* GREAT V>IETY 9 ! ROCKS ( ! M\NTA91 >E COMPOSITES1 9 :I* O!R M9]ALS1 ALUM9UM1 POTASSIUM1 >E AGA9 F\ND ) SILICON1 UNIT$ )  ! ATMOSPH]IC GASES 9 V>Y+ PROPORTIONS1 & FOLL[+ C]TA9 LAWS ( *EMICAL AFF9ITY4 ,EV]Y M\NTA9  ?OSE NE> AT H& AS WELL AS DI/ANT ONES ! PLA9S  AT !IR BASE1 & ALL ! :OLE E>? >E BUT METAL 9 AN IMPURE /ATE 2 IF ! FUZ$ & M+L$ ELEM5TS (  ! MASS ( ! GLOBE W]E SUDD5LY TO RESUME !IR PURITY1 ! PLANET W\LD1 = ! 9HABITANTS ( ,M>S &  ,Y5US LEVEL+ !IR TELESCOPES AT US1 POSSESS ! APPE>ANCE ( A SILV] BALL REVOLV+ 9 A BLACK SKY4  

#b"9  

,! GEOLOGI/1 :O SEEKS TO DISCOV] ! ELEM5TS (  /ONES1 (T5 F9DS ?AT ALL ! MASSIVE ROCKS COMPOS$ (  CRY/ALS OR CRY/ALL9E PA/E CONSI/1 AS DOES GRANITE1 (  OXIDIZ$ METALS 2 SU* >E PORPHYRY1 S]P5T9E1 & !  IGNE\S ROCKS :I* HAVE ISSU$ FROM ! E>? DUR+  VOLCANIC EXPLOSIONS2 TRA*YTE1 BASALT1 OBSIDIAN1 PUMICE/ONE3 ALL !SE COME FROM SILICON1 ALUM9UM1 POTASSIUM1 SODIUM1 CALCIUM4 ,AS TO ! ROCKS DISPOS$ 9 PLANES  OR /RATA1 PLAC$ 9 LAY]S ! ONE ABOVE ANO!R1 :Y  %\LD !Y NOT ALSO BE METALS1 S9CE !Y1 TO A GREAT EXT5T1 RESULT FROM ! DISAGGREGATION & R$I/RIBUTION (  ! MASSIVE ROCKS 8 ,/ONES CRU%$ TO PIECES1 !N CEM5T$ AGA91 S& ADH]+ TO ! ROCKS AFT] HAV+  BE5 GR\ND & PULV]IZ$1 CLAY ?AT HAS BECOME COMPACT AFT] HAV+ BE5 TEMP]$ BY WAT]1 SLATES 7:I*  >E NO?+ MORE ?AN H>D5$ CLAY71 >E ALMO/ ALL !  REMA9S ( E>LI] ROCKS1 &1 LIKE !M1 >E COMPOS$ (  METAL4 ,LIME/ONE ALONE1 :I* CON/ITUTES SO CONSID]ABLE A PORTION ( ! E>?'S CRU/1 DOES NOT PROCE$ DIRECTLY FROM ! DE/RUCTION ( ! MO/ ANCI5T ROCKS 2 IT  IS =M$ ( ! DEBRIS :I* HAS PASS$ ?R\< !  ORGANISM ( M>9E ANIMALS 3 !Y HAVE BE5 EAT5 &  DIGE/$1 BUT >E NONE ! LESS METALLIC 2 !IR F\NDATION  IS CALCIUM -- COMB9$ ) SULFUR1 C>BON1 & PHOSPHORUS4 ,?US1 ?ANKS TO ! MIXTURE1 ! V>I$ & *ANG+ COMB9ATIONS1 ! POLI%$1 UNI=M1 IMP5ETRABLE  MASS ( METAL HAS ASSUM$ BOLD & PICTURESQUE =MS1 HAS HOLL[$ ITSELF 9TO BAS9S = LAKES & RIV]S1 HAS  CLO!D ITSELF AGA9 ) VEGETABLE MOLD1 & HAS 5D$  BY 5T]+ EV5 9TO ! SAP ( PLANTS & ! BLOOD (  ANIMALS4  

,! PURE METAL REVEALS ITSELF H]E & !RE 9 O!R  PLACES AMID ! /ONES ( ! M\NTA94 ,9 ! MID/  ( L&SLIPS & ON ! $GES ( SPR+S F]RUG9\S  MASSES >E (T5 TO BE SE5 2 CRY/ALS ( IRON1 COPP]1 LEAD1  COMB9$ ) O!R ELEM5TS1 >E F\ND 9 ! SCATT]$  REMA9S 2 SOMETIMES A P>TICLE ( GOLD GLEAMS 9 ! S&  ( ! /REAM4 ,BUT 9 H>D ROCKS NEI!R ! PRECI\S  M9]AL NOR CRY/ALS >E DI/RIBUT$ AT HAPHAZ>D2 !Y  >E DISPOS$ 9 RAMIFI$ VE9S1 :I* >E ESPECIALLY DEVELOP$ BETWE5 B$S ( DIFF]5T =MATIONS4 ,!SE LODES  ( METAL1 LIKE ! MAGIC ?READ ( ! LABYR9?1 HAVE L$  M9]S1 & AFT] !M GEOLOGI/S1 9TO ! DEP?S &  HI/ORY ( ! M\NTA94  

,=M]LY1 SO LEG5DS TELL US1 IT WAS EASY TO COLLECT ALL  !SE RI*ES ( ! 9T]IOR ( ! M\NTA9 2 ALL ?AT A  MAN NE$$ WAS A LITTLE LUCK & ! FAVOR ( ! GODS4  ,IF HE MADE A FALSE /EP1 HE W\LD CAT* HOLD ( A %RUB  TO SAVE HIMSELF4 ,! FRAGILE /EM GAVE WAY1 DRAGG+  ) IT A GREAT /ONE ?AT CONCEAL$ A HI!RTO UNKN[N  CAVE4 ,! %EPH]D BOLDLY =C$ HIS WAY 9TO !  OP5+1 NOT )\T UTT]+ SOME MAGIC =MULA OR  T\*+ SOME AMULET 2 !N1 AFT] HAV+ WALK$ ALONG  9 ! D>K PASSAGE = A LONG TIME1 HE SUDD5LY F\ND  HIMSELF B5EA? A VAULT$ RO( ( CRY/ALS & DIAMONDS 2  /ATUES ( GOLD & SILV]1 PR(USELY ORNAM5T$ )  RUBIES 2 TOPAZ & SAPPHIRES ADH]$ TO EV]Y SIDE ( !  AP>TM5T2 HE NE$$ BUT TO /OOP TO GA!R UP !  TREASURES4 ,NOT BY SIMPLE 9CANTATIONS OR )\T TR\BLE CAN MAN 9 \R DAYS SUCCE$ 9 OBTA9+ GOLD OR O!R  METALS LY+ DORMANT 9 ! ROCKS4 ,! PRECI\S P>TICLES >E R>E1 IMPURE1 M+L$ ) E>?1 & F> !  GREATE/ PORTION DO NOT ASSUME !IR BRILLIANCY & VALUE  UNTIL AFT] !Y HAVE PASS$ ?R\< ! REFIR+-FURNACE4  

,*,A,P,T,] ,I,V4  

,! ,O,R,I,G,9 ,( ,! ,M,\,N,T,A,94  

,?,U,S1 D[N TO ITS V]Y SMALLE/ ATOM1 ! 5ORM\S  M\NTA9 PRES5TS A COMB9ATION ( DIV]SE ELEM5TS1  :I* >E M+L$ 9 V>Y+ PROPORTIONS 2 EV]Y CRY/AL1 EV]Y M9]AL1 EV]Y GRA9 ( S& OR P>TICLE (  LIME/ONE1 HAS ITS 5DLESS HI/ORY1 JU/ AS HAVE ! />S  !MSELVES4 ,LIKE ! UNIV]SE1 ! SMALLE/ FRAGM5T  ( ROCK POSSESSES ITS G5ESIS 2 BUT1 :ILE MUTUALLY AID+  ONE ANO!R BY SCI5CE1 ! PHYSICIAN1 *EMI/1 A/ROLOGI/1 & GEOLOGI/ >E /ILL ANXI\SLY ASK+ !MSELVES  IF !Y DO ?OR\<LY UND]/& ?IS /ONE & !  MY/]Y ( ITS ORIG94  

,& IS IT C]TA9 ?AT !Y HAVE UNVEIL$ ! ORIG9  ( ! M\NTA98 ,:5 WE SEE ALL !SE ROCKS S&/ONE1 LIME/ONE1 SLATE1 & GRANITE CAN WE TELL H[ !  PRODIGI\S MASS ACCUMULAT$ & ROSE UP T[>DS !  SKY 8 ,:ILE CONTEMPLAT+ IT 9 ITS SUP]B BEAUTY1 CAN  WE WEAK DW>FS1 :O LOOK ON1 EXAM9E \RSELVES1 &  SAY TO ! M\NTA91 ) ! CONSCI\S PRIDE ( SATISFI$  9TELLIG5CE1 0 ,! LEA/ ( Y\R /ONES CAN CRU% US1 BUT  YET WE UND]/& Y\ 2 WE KN[ :AT WAS Y\R BIR?1  :AT Y\R HI/ORY 80  

,AS MU* AS1 & EV5 MORE ?AN1 WE DO *ILDR5 ASK  QUE/IONS ON BEHOLD+ NATURE & ITS PH5OM5A 2 BUT1 9 !IR SIMPLE CONFID5CE1 !Y ALMO/ ALWAYS CONT5T  !MSELVES ) ! VAGUE & UNTRU?FUL REPLY GIV5  BY A FA!R OR AN ELD] :O DOES NOT KN[1 OR BY A PR(ESSOR :O PRET5DS TO BE IGNORANT ( NO?+4 ,IF !Y  DID NOT RECEIVE ?IS REPLY1 !Y W\LD GO ON SE>*+  =EV]1 UNTIL !Y HAD DISCOV]$ = !MSELVES SOME  K9D ( AN EXPLANATION1 = A *ILD CANNOT REMA9 9  D\BT 2 5T]+ TRIUMPHANTLY UPON LIFE FULL ( ! S5TIM5T ( HIS EXI/5CE1 IT IS NECESS>Y ?AT HE %\LD  BE ABLE TO SPEAK LIKE AN AU?ORITY UPON EV]Y SUBJECT4  ,NO?+ \<T TO REMA9 UNKN[N TO HIM4  

,9 ! SAME MANN]1 NATIONS :O HAD JU/ EM]G$  FROM !IR PRI/9E B>B>ISM F\ND = !MSELVES A  DEF9ITIVE EXPLANATION = EV]Y?+ ?AT IMPRESS$  !M4 ,! FIR/ EXPLANATION1 ?AT :I* BE/ RESPOND$  TO !IR 9TELLIG5CE & ! HABITS ( !IR RACE1 WAS  APPROV$4 ,TRANSMITT$ FROM LIP TO LIP1 ! LEG5D 5D$ BY BECOM+ ! DIV9E WORD1 & A TRIBE ( 9T]PRET]S ROSE UP TO GIVE IT ! SUPPORT ( !IR MORAL  AU?ORITY & C]EMONIES4 ,IT IS ?US ?AT 9 ! MY?ICAL H]ITAGE ( ALMO/ EV]Y NATION WE F9D ACC\NTS  :I* RELATE TO US ! BIR? ( ! M\NTA9S1 RIV]S1  E>?1 OCEAN1 PLANTS1 ANIMALS1 & EV5 ( MAN HIMSELF4  

,! MO/ SIMPLE EXPLANATION IS ?AT :I* %[S US  ! GODS & G5II HURL+ M\NTA9S D[N FROM HEAV51 & ALL[+ !M TO FALL BY *ANCE1 OR ELSE RAIS+  !M UP & REBUILD+ !M C>EFULLY LIKE ! COLUMNS  DE/9$ TO BE> ! VAULTS ( ! SKIES4 ,?US W]E  CON/RUCT$ ,LIBANUS & ,H]MON 2 ?US WAS ,M\NT ,ATLAS ) ?OSE /ALW>T %\LD]S PLANT$ AT ! 5DS (  ! E>?4 ,ELSE:]E1 :5 ONCE !Y W]E CREAT$1 !  M\NTA9S FREQU5TLY *ANG$ !IR PLACES1 & ! GODS UTILIZ$ !M = ! DIS*>GE ( !IR ?UND]BOLTS4  ,! ,TITANS1 :O W]E NOT GODS1 ?REW D[N ALL !  M\NTA9S ( ,!SSALY 9 ORD] TO USE !M AGA9 =  BUILD+ UP ! RAMP>TS R\ND ,OLYMPUS 2 EV5 GIGANTIC ,A?OS WAS NOT TOO WEI<TY = !IR >MS 2 !Y  C>RI$ IT FROM ! HE>T ( ,?RACIA 9TO ! MIDDLE (  ! SEA TO ! SPOT :]E IT /&S ]ECT AT ?IS PRES5T  DAY4 ,A GIANTESS ( ! ,NOR? HAD FILL$ H] APRON )  LITTLE HILLS1 & DROPP$ !M AT C]TA9 DI/ANCES1 ?AT  %E MI<T RECOGNIZE H] WAY4 ,YI%NU1 ONE DAY SEE+  A Y\NG GIRL ASLEEP B5EA? ! SUN'S TOO >D5T RAYS1  TOOK UP A M\NTA9 & HELD IT POIS$ UPON HIE F+]TIPS TO %ELT] ! BEAUTIFUL SLEEP]4 ,?IS1 ! LEG5D  TELLS US1 WAS ! ORIG9 ( SUN%ADES4  

,NOR WAS IT EV5 ALWAYS NECESS>Y = GODS & GIANTS  TO LIFT UP ! M\NTA9S 9 ORD] TO REMOVE !M 2 !  LATT] OBEY$ A M]E SIGN4 ,/ONES HA/5$ TO LI/5 TO  ! /RA9S ( ,ORPHEUS'S LYRE1 M\NTA9S /OOD ]ECT TO  HE> ,APOLLO 2 IT WAS ?US ?AT ,HELICON1 ! HOME ( !  ,MUSES1 TOOK ITS BIR?4 ,! PROPHET ,MOHAMM$ >RIV$  TWO ?\S& YE>S TOO LATE4 ,HAD HE BE5 BORN 9 AN  AGE ( A SIMPL] FAI? HE W\LD NOT HAVE GONE TO !  M\NTA9 2 IT W\LD HAVE GONE TO HIM4  

,SIDE BY SIDE ) ?IS EXPLANATION ( ! M\NTA9'S  BIR? BY ! WILL ( ! GODS1 ! MY?OLOGY ( MANY  NATIONS FURNI%ES ANO!R LESS EXTRAVAGANT4 ,ACCORD+  TO ?IS IDEA1 ! ROCKS & M\NTA9S W\LD BE ANIMATE  ORGANISMS PUT =? NATURALLY UPON ! E>?'S HUGE  BODY AS IS ! /AM5 9 ! COROLLA ( A FL[]4 ,:ILE1  ON ! ONE SIDE1 ! GR\ND DESC5D$ TO RECEIVE !  WAT]S ( ! OCEAN1 ON ! O!R IT ROSE UP T[>DS !  SUN TO WELCOME ITS VIVIFY+ LI<T4 ,IT IS ?US ?AT ! PLANTS RAISE !IR /EMS & TURN !IR PETALS T[>DS  ! PLANET1 LOOK+ D[N UPON !M & IMP>T+ TO  !M !IR BRILLIANCY4 ,BUT ! ANCI5T LEG5DS HAVE  LO/ !IR BELIEV]S1 & >E M]ELY POETICAL RECOLLECTIONS  = MANK9D 2 !Y HAVE RETIR$ TO JO9 O!R DREAMS 2  & ! SPIRITS ( 9QUIR]S1 EMANCIPAT$ FROM !SE ILLUSIONS1 HAVE BECOME MORE EAG] 9 !IR PURSUIT AFT]  TRU?4 ,! M5 ( \R DAYS1 TOO1 LIKE ?OSE ( ANCI5T  TIMES1 HAVE /ILL TO REPEAT1 :ILE CONTEMPLAT+ ! PEAKS  GILD$ BY ! LI<T1 0 ,H[ W]E !Y ABLE TO RAISE !MSELVES UP TO ! SKY80 

,EV5 9 \R TIME1 :5 LE>N$ M5 PR(ESS TO BASE  !IR !ORIES UPON OBS]VATION & EXP]I5CE ONLY1  MANY FANCIES SUFFICI5TLY RESEMBL+ ! LEG5DS ( !  ANCI5TS AS TO ! ORIG9 ( !- M\NTA9S /ILL EXI/4  ,ONE BIG MOD]N BOOK 5DEAVORS TO DEMON/RATE TO US  ?AT ! SUN'S LI<T :I* BA!S \R PLANET HAD BECOME  SOLIDIFI$1 & HAD COND5S$ ITSELF 9TO TABLE-L&S &  M\NTA9S ALL OV] ! E>?4 ,ANO!R DECL>ES ?AT  ! ATTRACTION ( ! SUN & MOON1 NOT CONT5T TWICE A  DAY TO LIFT UP ! WAVES ( ! SEA1 HAS ALSO CAUS$ !  E>? TO SWELL1 & HAS C>RI$ UP ! SOLID WAVES TO !  REGIONS ( SN[4 ,F9ALLY1 ANO!R TELLS US H[ ! COMETS :I* HAVE W&]$ A/RAY 9 ! HEAV5S HAVE  COME TO COLLIDE ) \R GLOBE1 HAVE PI]C$ HOLES 9 ITS  CRU/ AS /ONES %ATT] A PIECE ( ICE1 & HAVE CAUS$  ! M\NTA9S TO BUR/ =? 9 LONG RANGES & GR\PS4  

,HAPPILY ! E>?1 ALWAYS TOIL+ AT FRE% CREATIONS1  DOES NOT CEASE TO LABOR BE=E \R EYES1 & %[S US  H[ BY DEGREES IT ALT]S ! RUGOSITIES ( ITS SURFACE4 ,IT  DE/ROYS1 BUT IT ALSO RECON/RUCTS1 ITSELF DAILY 2 CON/ANTLY  IT LEVELS SOME M\NTA9S TO RAISE UP O!RS1 HOLL[S \T VALLEYS JU/ TO FILL !M UP AGA94 ,:ILE W&]+  OV] ! SURFACE ( ! GLOBE1 & C>EFULLY OBS]V+  ITS NATURAL PH5OM5A1 WE CAN SEE H[ HILLS & M\NTA9S >E =M$ SL[LY1 IT IS TRUE1 & NOT BY ANY SUDD5 UPHEAVAL1 AS ! LOV]S ( ! M>VEL\S W\LD  HAVE IT TO BE4 ,WE SEE !M TAKE !IR BIR? EI!R DIRECTLY FROM ! BOSOM ( ! E>?1 OR 9DIRECTLY1 SO TO  SAY1 BY ! ]OSION ( PLATEAUX1 JU/ AS A BLOCK ( M>BLE GRADUALLY ASSUMES ! =M ( A /ATUE4 ,:5 AN  9SUL> OR CONT95TAL MASS1 SOME HUNDR$S OR ?\S&S  ( Y>DS HI<1 RECEIVES RA9 9 ABUNDANCE1 ITS SLOPES GRADUALLY BECOME 9D5T$ ) RAV9ES1 DALES1 VALLEYS 2 !  UNI=M SURFACE ( ! PLATEAU IS CUT 9TO PEAKS1 RIDGES1  PYRAMIDS 2 SCOOP$ \T 9TO AMPHI!AT]S1 BAS9S1 PRECIPICES 2 SY/EMS ( M\NTA9S APPE> BY DEGREES :]EV] ! LEVEL GR\ND HAS ROLL$ D[N TO ANY 5ORM\S  EXT5T4 ,IT IS ! SAME 9 ?OSE PORTIONS ( ! E>?  :]E A PLATEAU ASSAIL$ BY RA9 ON ONE SIDE ONLY IS CUT  UP 9TO M\NTA9S M]ELY ON ?AT SLOPE2 ?US IS 9  ,SPA9 ?AT T]RACE ( ,LA ,MAN*A :]E IT DESC5DS T[>DS ,&ALUSIA BY ! ESC>PM5TS ( ! ,SI]RA ,MOR5A4  ,9 ADDITION TO !SE EXT]NAL CAUSES :I* *ANGE  PLATEAUX 9TO M\NTA9S1 SL[ TRANS=MATIONS 9 ! 9T]IOR ( ! E>? >E ALSO BE+ ACCOMPLI%$1 BR++  AB\T VA/ EXCAVATIONS4 ,?OSE H>D-WORK+ M5 :O1  HAMM] 9 H&1 GO AB\T = MANY YE>S AMONG !  M\NTA9S 9 ORD] TO /UDY !IR =M & /RUCTURE1  OBS]VE1 9 ! L[] B$S ( M>9E =MATION :I*  CON/ITUTE ! NON-CRY/ALL9E PORTION ( ! M\NTA9S1  GIGANTIC R5TS OR FISSURES EXT5D+ ?\S&S ( Y>DS  9 L5G?4 ,MASSES1 MILLIONS ( Y>DS ?ICK1 HAVE BE5  COMPLETELY RAIS$ UP AGA9 BY !SE %OCKS1 OR TURN$ AS COMPLETELY UPSIDE D[N1 SO ?AT :AT WAS =M]LY !  SURFACE HAS N[ BECOME ! BOTTOM4 ,! B$S GIV+  WAY 9 CONSEQU5CE ( SUCCESSIVE %OCKS HAVE B>$ !  SKELETON ( CRY/ALL9E ROCKS :I* !Y 5VELOP$ AS IF  ) A MANTLE2 !Y HAVE EXPOS$ ! CORE ( ! M\NTA91 AS A CURTA9 SUDD5LY DRAWN ASIDE DISCOV]S A HIDD5 /ATUE4  

,BUT SU* FALL+ -AWAY HAS BE5 ( LESS IMPORTANCE  ?AN HAS PLICATION 9 ! HI/ORY ( ! E>? & !  M\NTA9S =M+ ITS EXT]NAL 9EQUALITIES4 ,SUBJECT$  TO SL[ SECUL> PRESSURE1 ! ROCK1 ! CLAY1 ! LAY]S  ( S&/ONE1 ! VE9S ( METAL1 CAN ALL BE FOLD$ UP  LIKE A PIECE ( CLO?1 & ! FOLDS ?US =M$ BECOME  M\NTA9S & VALLEYS4 ,! E>?'S SURFACE1 SIMIL>LY TO  ?AT ( ! OCEAN1 IS /IRR$ UP 9TO WAVES 2 BUT !SE UNDULATIONS >E ( A V]Y DIFF]5T MAGNITUDE 3 ! ,&ES1  ! ,HIMALAYAS1 = 9/ANCE1 ?US RE> !MSELVES UP  AGA9 ABOVE ! LEVEL ( ! PLA9S4 ,! ROCKS ( !  E>? F9D !MSELVES CON/ANTLY SUBJECT$ TO !SE LAT]AL IMPULSIONS1 :I* FOLD & REFOLD !M 9 DIFF]5T  DIRECTIONS1 KEEP+ ! B$S 9CESSANTLY 9 A /ATE (  FLUCTUATION4 ,IT IS ?US ?AT ! SK9 ( FRUIT BECOMES  WR9KL$4  

,! PEAKS :I* RISE /RAI<T UP FROM ! GR\ND  & GRADUALLY CLIMB FROM ! LEVEL ( ! SEA T[>DS  ! FRIGID ALTITUDES ( ! ATMOSPH]E >E M\NTA9S (  LAVA & VOLCANIC C9D]S4 ,9 MANY P>TS ( ! T]RE/RIAL SURFACE !Y CAN EASILY BE /UDI$ RIS+1 GR[+  BE=E ! NAK$ EYE4 ,DIFF]+ VA/LY FROM ORD9>Y  M\NTA9S1 VOLCANOES1 PROP]LY SO CALL$1 >E P]=AT$  BY A C5TRAL CRAT] ?R\< :I* ! SMOKE & PULV]IZ$ FRAGM5TS ( BURNT ROCK ESCAPE 2 BUT :5 !Y BECOME EXT+UI%$ ! CRAT] CLOSES1 & ! SLOPES (  ! VOLCANIC CONE1 :OSE \TL9E LOSES ITS PRI/9E REGUL>ITY B5EA? ! 9FLU5CE ( RA9S & VEGETATION1 5D  BY RESEMBL+ ?OSE ( O!R M\NTA9S4 ,ELSE:]E  !RE >E ROCKY MASSES :I*1 RIS+ \T ( ! BOSOM  ( ! E>? EI!R 9 A LIQUID OR PULPY /ATE1 SIMPLY  ISSUE FROM A LONG FISSURE 9 ! GR\ND1 & >E NOT  ?R[N UP BY A CRAT] AS >E ! SCORIAE ( ,VESUVIUS  & ,ETNA4 ,! LAVA1 ACCUMULAT+ 9 PEAKS & BRAN*+ \T 9TO PROMONTORIES1 M]ELY DIFF]S BY ITS Y\?  FROM ?OSE OLD HO>Y-HEAD$ M\NTA9S ) :I* O!R PORTIONS ( ! E>?'S SURFACE BRI/LE4 ,! LAVA1 ONCE  BOIL+1 GRADUALLY COOLS 2 IT FL[S 9TO FRE% B$S \TSIDE1  & CLO!S ITSELF ANEW ) VEGETABLE MOLD2 IT RECEIVES ! RA9 9 ITS 9T]/ICES1 S5D+ IT =? AGA9  AS /REAMLETS & RIV]S 2 F9ALLY1 IT IS COV]$ ONCE MORE  AT ITS BASE ) NEW GEOLOGICAL =MATIONS1 & BECOMES  SURR\ND$1 LIKE ! O!R M\NTA9S1 ) LAY]S (  GRAVEL1 S&1 OR CLAY4 ,9 C\RSE ( TIME1 ALL ?AT !  GEOLOGI/'S EYE CAN DISCOV] IS ?AT !Y HAVE SPRUNG \T  ( ! BOSOM ( ?AT GREAT FURNACE1 ! E>?1 AS IF A  MASS ( FUZ$ METAL4  

,AMONG !SE ANCI5T M\NTA9S1 =M+ A PORTION (  ?OSE GR\PS & SY/EMS T]M$ ! 0V]TEBRAL COLUMNS 0 ( ! CONT95TS1 >E MANY COMPOS$ ( ROCKS  V]Y SIMIL> TO ACTUAL LAVA1 & ( AN ANALOG\S *EMICAL  =MATION4 ,! GREATE/ PORTION ( ! GRANITE ROCKS  SEEM TO BE =M$ 9 ! SAME MANN] AS !SE LAVAS  PORPHYRIES1 TRAPS1 & MELAPHYRES :I* HAVE ISSU$  FROM ! E>? ?R\< WIDE FISSURES1 & HAVE SPREAD  \T OV] ! GR\ND LIKE A VISC\S SUB/ANCE1 :I*  W\LD SOON CONGEAL ON COM+ 9TO CONTACT ) ! AIR4  

,!Y1 AS WELL AS LAVA1 >E CRY/ALL9E1 & !IR CRY/ALS  CONTA9 ! SAME SIMPLE SUB/ANCES 9 !IR ELEM5TS1  SILICIUM & ALUM9UM4 ,IS IT NOT REASONABLE TO SUPPOSE ?AT GRANITE HAS ALSO BE5 A PA/E-LIKE MASS1 & !  CREVICES ( ! GR\ND HAVE AF=D$ A PASSAGE TO ITS  BOIL+ /REAMS 8 ,ALL ! SAME1 ?IS IS BUT AN HYPO!SIS  N[ UND] DISCUSSION1 & NOT A DEMON/RAT$ TRU?4 ,IT  IS BELIEV$ ?AT AS ! LAVA1 :I* SPR+S \T ( !  E>?1 SOMETIMES LIFTS UP /RIPS ( GR\ND ) ITS =E/S OR FIELDS1 SO HAVE ]UPTIONS ( GRANITE OR SIMIL> ROCKS  BE5 ! MO/ FREQU5T CAUSE ( ! UPHEAVAL ( /RATA  ( V>I\S =MATIONS CON/ITUT+ ! MO/ CONSID]ABLE  PORTION ( ! M\NTA9S4 ,/RATA ( LIME1 S&/ONE1 &  CLAY1 :I* ! WAT]S ( ! SEA OR ( A LAKE HAD ONCE  DEPOSIT$ 9 P>ALLEL LAY]S UPON ! BOTTOM ( !IR  B$1 & :I* HAD BECOME ! EXT]NAL PELLICLE (  ! E>?1 W\LD HAVE BE5 ?US B5T D[N & SET UP  AGA9 BY ! MASS RIS+ \T ( ! DEP?S 9 SE>* (  A MEANS ( EGRESS4 ,H]E ! SWELL+ WAVE ( GRANITE  W\LD HAVE BROK5 ! UPP] /RATA 9TO ISLES & ISL&S1  ALL ( :I*1 DISCONNECT$1 SPLIT UP1 CRUMPL$ 9TO V>I\S FOLDS1 >E N[ DISP]S$ AMONG ! DEPRESSIONS &  UPON ! PO9TS ( ! UPHEAV+ ROCK 2 ELSE:]E !  GRANITE W\LD HAVE OP5$ BUT ONE CREVICE = ITS PASSAGE ?R\< ! GR\ND1 BY FOLD+ BACK ON EI!R SIDE  ! \T] LAY]S1 FOLL[+ ! 9CL9ATION ( ! MO/  V>I$ ANGLES 2 AGA91 9 O!R PLACES ! GRANITE1 )\T  EV5 REA*+ DAYLI<T1 W\LD NONE ! LESS HAVE ?R[N  \T HUMMOCKS ON ! UPP] /RATA4 ,!SE1 UND] !  PRESSURE :I* HAD CAUS$ !M TO BECOME FOLD$1 W\LD  HAVE CEAS$ TO BE PLA9S1 9 ORD] TO BE TRANS=M$ 9TO  HILLS & M\NTA9S4 ,?US EV5 ! HEI<TS =M$ ( /RATA1 QUIETLY DEPOSIT$ AT ! BOTTOM ( ! WAT]S1  C\LD HAVE ]ECT$ !MSELVES 9TO PEAKS1 9 ! SAME  MANN] AS ! PROTUB]ANCES ( LAVA 2 A WELL DUG ?R\<  ! SUP]POS$ B$S W\LD REA* ! NUCLEUS ( PORPHYRY  OR GRANITE4  

,:ILE ADMITT+ ?AT MO/ ( ! M\NTA9S HAVE  MADE !IR APPE>ANCE 9 ! SAME MANN] AS ?OSE (  LAVA1 ! CAUSE1 9DUC+ ALL !SE SUB/ANCES TO BUR/  FROM ! E>? 9 A /ATE ( FUSION1 /ILL REMA9S A SUBJECT  = REFLECTION4 ,ORD9>ILY PEOPLE SUPPOSE ?AT IT HAS  BE5 EXPLA9$1 SO TO SAY1 BY ! CONTRACTION ( ! \T]  CRU/ ( ! GLOBE1 :I* SL[LY COOL$ :ILE RADIAT+  HEAT 9TO SPACE4 ,=M]LY \R PLANET WAS A DROP (  BURN+ METAL4 ,:ILE ROLL+ ?R\< ! COLD FIRMAM5T IT HAS GRADUALLY BECOME CONGEAL$4 ,BUT IS IT !  %ELL ALONE ?AT HAS BECOME SOLIDIFI$1 AS PEOPLE LOVE TO  SAY1 OR HAS ! :OLE DROP BE5 R5D]$ H>D1 D[N TO  ITS V]Y CORE8 ,AS YET ?IS IS NOT KN[N1 = !RE IS  NO?+ TO PROVE ?AT ! LAVA ( \R VOLCANOES ISSUES  FROM AN IMM5SE RES]VOIR1 SUPPLY+ ALL ! 9T]IOR (  ! GLOBE4 ,WE ONLY KN[ ?AT SOMETIMES ! LAVA  =CES ITSELF ?R\< ! CREVICES ( ! GR\ND1 &  FL[S TO ! SURFACE1 JU/ AS ! GRANITE1 PORPHYRY1 &  O!R SIMIL> ROCKS >E SAID TO HAVE FL[$ \T ( FISSURES  9 ! T]RE/RIAL B>K1 AS ! SAP ESCAPES ?R\< A  W\ND 9 A PLANT4 ,! TIDE ( %ATT]$ /ONES IS SAID  TO HAVE RIS5 FROM ! 9T]IOR1 UND] ! PRESSURE (  ! PLANET>Y CRU/1 GRADUALLY TO BE ONCE MORE CONTRACT$  BY ITS [N PROCESS ( COOL+4  

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,F,O,S,S,I,L,S4  

,:,A,T,S,O,E,V,] MAY BE ! PRIM>Y ORIG9 ( ! M\NTA91 ITS HI/ORY HAS AT LEA/ BE5 KN[N TO US EV] S9CE  A P]IOD GREATLY ANT]IOR TO ! ANNALS ( \R HUMAN  RACE4 ,ONE HUNDR$ & FIFTY G5]ATIONS ( MAN HAVE  B>ELY SUCCE$$ ONE ANO!R S9CE ! FIR/ ACTS ( \R  ANCE/ORS W]E ACCOMPLI%$1 EVID5CES ( :OM HAVE  REMA9$ 2 BE=E ?AT P]IOD ! EXI/5CE ( \R RACE  HAS ONLY BE5 REVEAL$ TO US BY D\BTFUL MONUM5TS4  ,! 9ANIMATE HI/ORY ( ! M\NTA91 ON ! CONTR>Y1  HAS BE5 WRITT5 9 VISIBLE *>ACT]S = MILLIONS (  C5TURIES4  

,! GREAT WORK1 ?AT :I* EV5 /RUCK \R =EFA!RS  EV] S9CE ! 9FANCY ( CIVILIZATION1 & :I* !Y RELAT$ 9 V>I\S WAYS 9 !IR LEG5DS1 IS ?AT ! ROCKS1  DI/RIBUT$ 9 REGUL> LAY]S1 ! ONE ABOVE ANO!R1 LIKE  ! /ONES ( A BUILD+1 HAVE BE5 DEPOSIT$ BY !  WAT]S4 ,LET ANY P]SON WALK ALONG ! $GE ( A RIV]1  LOOK AT ! TEMPOR>Y GUTT] =M$ 9 ! DEPRESSIONS  ( ! SOIL1 & HE WILL SEE ! CURR5T SEIZE UPON GRAVEL1  GRA9S ( S&1 DU/1 & ALL ! SCATT]$ DETRITUS1 TO DI/RIBUTE !M 9 ORD] UPON ! BOTTOM & %ORES ( ITS  B$ 2 ! HEAVIE/ FRAGM5TS WILL BE DISPOS$ 9 LAY]S AT  ?OSE SPOTS :]E ! WAT] LOSES SOME ( ! RAPIDITY ( ITS FIR/ IMPETUS1 ! LI<T] MOLECULES WILL PROCE$ F>!R1 SPREAD+ !MSELVES 9 B$S UPON ! SMOO? SURFACE1 & F9ALLY ! T5U\S CLAY1 :OSE WEI<T H>DLY  EXCE$S ?AT ( ! WAT]1 WILL SETTLE D[N 9 LAY]S  :]EV] ! TORR5T -LIKE MOTION ( ! WAT] /OPS4  ,UPON ! %ORES1 & 9 ! BAS9S ( LAKES & SEAS1 !  LAY]S ( DEBRIS DEPOSIT$ SUCCESSIVELY >E /ILL MU*  MORE REGUL>1 = ?OSE WAT]S DO NOT POSSESS ! IMPETU\S MOTION ( RUNN+ /REAMS1 & EV]Y?+ RECEIV$  BY !IR SURFACE IS SIFT$ ?R\< ! DEP? ( !IR  /ATION>Y WAT]S1 )\T ANY?+ OCCURR+ TO DI/URB  ! EQUABLE ACTION ( ! WAVES & CURR5TS4  

,IT IS ?US ?AT 9 ?IS VA/ NATURE ! DIVISION ( LABOR  IS >RANG$4 ,UPON ! ROCKY %ORES ( ! OCEAN1 BEAT5  BY ! WAVES ( ! (F+1 WE SEE NO?+ BUT GRAVEL  & HEAP$ -UP B\LD]S4 ,ELSE:]E1 /RET*+ AWAY  BEYOND \R SI<T1 >E BEA*ES ( F9E S&1 UPON :I*  ! TIDAL WAVES ROLL UP 9 VOLUTES ( FOAM4 ,?OSE :O  TAKE S\ND+S TO /UDY ! FLOOR ( ! SEA TELL US ?AT  UPON VA/ EXT5TS1 AS L>GE AS PROV9CES1 ! REMA9S  :I* !IR 9/RUM5TS BR+ UP >E ALWAYS COMPOS$  ( A UNI=M MUD1 MORE OR LESS MIX$ ) CLAY OR S&1  ACCORD+ TO ! DIFF]5T LATITUDES4 ,!Y HAVE ALSO  PROV$ ?AT 9 O!R PORTIONS ( ! OCEAN ! ROCK  =M$ AT ! BOTTOM ( ! M>9E B$ IS ( PURE *ALK4  ,%ELLS1 SPICULES ( SPONGE1 ANIMALCULSE ( ALL DESCRIPTIONS1  9F]IOR ORGANISMS1 SILICE\S OR CALC>E\S1 FALL 9CESSANTLY1  LIKE RA91 FROM ! SURFACE WAT]S1 & BECOME M+L$  ) ! 9NUM]ABLE CREATURES :I* MULTIPLY1 LIVE1  & DIE ON ! BOTTOM 9 SUFFICI5TLY GREAT NUMB]S TO  CON/ITUTE /RATA AS DEEP AS ?OSE ( \R M\NTA9S 2 BUT1  !N1 >E NOT !SE =M$ ( DETRITUS ( ! SAME K9D 8 ,9 AN UNKN[N FUTURE1 :5 ! ACTUAL ABYSSES ( ! OCEAN %ALL BE EXT5D$ AS PLA9S1 OR RISE UP AGA9 AS  PEAKS 9 ! SUN'S LI<T1 \R DESC5DANTS WILL BEHOLD  GEOLOGICAL PORTIONS ( GR\ND SIMIL> TO ?OSE :I* WE  SEE TO-DAY1 & :I*1 P]HAPS1 MAY HAVE DISAPPE>$1  CUT UP 9TO FRAGM5TS BY ! FL[+ WAT]S4  

,DUR+ ! C\RSE ( AGES1 ! /RATA ( M>9E &  LACU/R9E =MATION1 ( :I* ! GREATE/ P>T ( \R  M\NTA9 IS COMPOS$1 HAVE SUCCE$$ 9 OCCUPY+1 AT A  GREAT ELEVATION ABOVE ! SEA1 !IR SLOP+1 CONTORT$1  & CURI\SLY FOLD$ POSITION4 ,:E!R !Y HAVE BE5  UPHEAV$ BY PRESSURE FROM BEL[1 OR :E!R ! OCEAN  HAS REC$$ 9 CONSEQU5CE ( ! E>? BECOM+ CONGEAL$ & CONTRACT$1 OR ELSE FROM SOME TOTALLY DIFF]5T CAUSE1 & ?AT 9 ?IS MANN] IT HAD LEFT LAY]S (  S& & LIME/ONE UPON ! ANCI5T %OALS1 :I* HAVE  S9CE BECOME CONT95TS1 !RE !SE LAY]S >E N[1 &  WE CAN /UDY AT \R LEISURE ! REMA9S :I* MANY (  !M HAVE BR\<T UP FROM ! SUBM>9E WORLD4  

,!SE REMA9S >E FOSSILS1 ! DEBRIS ( PLANTS & ANIMALS PRES]V$ 9 ! ROCK4 ,IT IS TRUE ?AT ! MOLECULES  COMPOS+ ! FRAMEWORK1 ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE1 ( !SE  BODIES HAVE DISAPPE>$ ) ! TISSUE ( ! FLE% &  ! DROPS ( BLOOD OR SAP 2 BUT ! :OLE HAS BE5 REPLAC$ BY P>TICLES ( /ONE :I* HAVE KEPT ! =M  & EV5 ! COLOR ( ! CREATURE DE/ROY$4 ,)9  ! ?ICKNESS ( !SE /ONES1 %ELLS ( MOLLUSKS1 DISKS1  SPH]ES1 SP9ES1 CYL9D]S1 SILICE\S & CALC>E\S BITS (  /ICK1 ( =AM9IF]A & DIATOMS1 >E TO BE MET )  9 A/\ND+ NUMB]S2 BUT WE ALSO F9D =MS :I*  EXACTLY CORRESPOND ) ! S(T FLE% ( ! CREATURES  ( !SE ORGANIZATIONS 2 WE SEE ! SKELETONS ( FI% ) !IR F9S & SCALES2 RECOGNIZE ! W+-%EA?S ( 9SECTS1  TWIGS & LEAVES1 EV5 FOOTPR9TS CAN BE DI/+UI%$ 2  UPON ! H>D ROCK1 TOO1 :I* WAS =M]LY ! %IFT+ S& ( ! BEA*1 WE F9D ! IMPRESSION ( DROPS  ( RA91 & ! 9T]SECT+ RIPPLE-M>KS TRAC$ BY !  WAVELETS ON ! %ORE4  

,FOSSILS V]Y R>E 9 C]TA9 ROCKS ( M>9E =MATION1  V]Y NUM]\S1 ON ! CONTR>Y1 9 O!R /RATA1 & CON/ITUT+ ALMO/ ! 5TIRE MASS ( M>BLE & *ALK1  HELP US TO RECOGNIZE ! RELATIVE AGE ( ! /RATA :I*  HAVE BE5 DEPOSIT$ 9 ! C\RSE ( TIME ,ALL ! FOSSILIF]\S B$S1 9DE$1 HAVE NOT BE5 TURN$ UPSIDE  D[N1 OR CURI\SLY MIX$ UP BY EXCAVATIONS & L&SLIPS 2 MO/ ( !M HAVE EV5 PRES]V$ !IR REGUL>  SUP]POSITION1 SO ?AT ! FOSSILS CAN BE /UDI$ & COLLECT$ 9 ! ORD] 9 :I* !Y APPE>$4 ,:]E !  /RATA1 /ILL 9 !IR NORMAL CONDITION1 MA9TA9 ! POSITION !Y =M]LY OCCUPI$ AFT] HAV+ BE5 DEPOSIT$  BY ! M>ITIME OR LACU/R9E WAT]S1 ! %ELLS DISCOV]$ 9 ! UPP] B$ >E C]TA9LY MORE MOD]N ?AN  ?OSE ( ! LAY]S SITUAT$ L[] D[N4 ,HUNDR$S1  ?\S&S ( YE>S1 REPRES5T$ BY 9NUM]ABLE 9T]M$IATE ATOMS ( LIME OR S&/ONE1 HAVE SEP>AT$ !  TWO EPO*S ( EXI/5CE4  

,IF ! SAME SPECIES ( PLANTS & ANIMALS HAD ALWAYS  LIV$ UPON ! E>?1 EV] S9CE ! DAY ON :I* !SE  ANIMATE ORGANISMS MADE !IR FIR/ APPE>ANCE UPON !  CONGEAL$ CRU/ ( ! PLANET1 WE %\LD NOT HAVE BE5  ABLE TO JUDGE ( ! RELATIVE AGE ( ! TWO T]RE/RIAL  /RATA1 SEP>AT$ ONE FROM ! O!R4 ,BUT DIFF]5T  CREATURES HAVE NOT CEAS$ TO SUCCE$ ONE ANO!R =  MANY AGES1 & CONSEQU5TLY1 ALSO1 9 ! SUP]POS$ /RATA4 ,C]TA9 =MS :I* MAY BE SE5 9 GREAT ABUNDANCE 9 ! HE>T ( ! MO/ ANCI5T /RATIFI$ ROCKS  GRADUALLY BECOME R>] 9 ?OSE ( LESS REMOTE ORIG91  & !N 5D BY DISAPPE>+ ALTOGE!R4 ,! NEW SPECIES :I* SUCCE$ ! FIR/ HAVE ALSO1 LIKE EV]Y 9DIVIDUAL CREATURE1 !IR P]IOD ( REG5]ATION1 PROPAGATION1 DECAY1 & DEA? 2 EV]Y SPECIES ( ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE FOSSIL MI<T BE COMP>$ TO A GIGANTIC TREE :OSE  ROOTS PLUNGE 9TO ! L[] DOMA9S ( ANCI5T =MATION1 & :OSE TRUNK BECOMES RAMIFI$1 F9ALLY LOS+  ITSELF 9 ! HI<] /RATA ( MORE REC5T ORIG94  

,?OSE GEOLOGI/S :O1 9 DIFF]5T C\NTRIES ( !  WORLD1 SP5D !IR TIME 9 EXAM9+ & /UDY+ !  ROCKS1 MOLECULE BY MOLECULE1 9 ORD] TO DISCOV] 9 !M  VE/IGES ( ONCE LIV+ CREATURES1 HAVE BE5 ABLE1 ?ANKS  TO ! ORD] ( SUCCESSION ( EV]Y SPECIES ( FOSSIL1 TO  RECOGNIZE 9 ! IMPRISON$ REMA9S ! RELATIVE AGE (  ! DIFF]5T /RATA ( ! E>? DEPOSIT$ BY ! WAT]S4  ,EV] S9CE SUFFICI5TLY NUM]\S OBS]VATIONS HAVE BE5  COMP>$ ) ONE ANO!R1 IT IS EV5 FREQU5TLY EASY1  ON SEE+ A S+LE FOSSIL1 TO PRON\NCE TO :AT EPO* (  T]RE/RIAL AGES BELONGS ! ROCK 9 :I* IT WAS F\ND4  ,ANY SPECIM5 :ATEV] ( LIME/ONE1 S*I/1 OR S&/ONE1 %[+ A CLE> IMPRESSION ( %ELL OR PLANT1 WILL  (T5 SUFFICE4 ,! NATURALI/1 )\T ANY FE> ( BE+  MI/AK51 DECL>ES ?AT ! /ONE 9 :I* ! IMPRESSION  IS M>K$ BELONGS TO SU* & SU* A S]IES ( ROCKS1 &  \<T TO BE CLASSIFI$ 9 SU* & SU* AN EPO* 9 !  PLANET'S HI/ORY4  

,!SE TE/IMONY -BE>+ FOSSILS1 :I* 9 - AN ANIMATE  =M MOV$1 MILLIONS ( YE>S AGO1 9 ! MUD ( OCEANIC  ABYSSES1 >E N[ MET ) AGA9 AT EV]Y HEI<T 9 ! M\NTA9 /RATA4 ,!Y >E TO BE SE5 ON MO/ ( !  ,PYR5EAN PEAKS 2 !Y CON/ITUTE :OLE ,ALPS 2 !Y >E  RECOGNIZ$ UPON ! ,CAUCASUS & ,CORDILL]AS4 ,EQUALLY W\LD MAN SEE !M ON ! SUMMITS ( ! ,HIMALAYA IF HE C\LD ATTA9 ?OSE ALTITUDES4 ,NOR IS ?IS ALL 2  !SE FOSSILIF]\S B$S1 :I* TO-DAY PASS BEYOND !  MIDDLE ZONE ( ! CL\DS1 =M]LY REA*$ MU* MORE  CONSID]ABLE ELEVATIONS4 ,9 MANY PLACES1 UPON ONE SIDE  ( A M\NTA91 IT IS %[N ?AT ! /RATA ( ROCKS >E  MORE OR LESS FREQU5TLY 9T]RUPT$4 ,H]E & !RE1  P]HAPS1 ! GEOLOGI/ MAY AGA9 F9D SOME PORTIONS (  !SE B$S1 BUT !Y DO NOT CONT9UE TO ANY EXT5T UNTIL  MU* F>!R AWAY UPON ! OPPOSITE SIDE ( ! M\NTA94 ,:AT HAS BECOME ( ! 9T]M$IATE FRAGM5TS 8  ,!Y EXI/$ =M]LY1 =1 EV5 :5 BREAK+ ?R\<  !M1 ! GRANITE MASS RIS+ \T ( ! 9T]IOR C\LD  ONLY SPLIT !M1 BUT NONE ! LESS HAVE ! CRACK$ /RATA  REMA9$ UPON ! SLIPP]Y SUMMIT4  

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,& YET !SE 5ORM\S MASSES1 M\NTA9S PIL$ UPON  M\NTA9S1 HAVE PASS$ AWAY LIKE CL\DS SWEPT ALONG !  SKY BY ! W9D 2 ! /RATA F\R OR FIVE ?\S& Y>DS  ?ICK1 :I* ! GEOLOGICAL SECTION ( ROCKS %[S US HAD  =M]LY EXI/$1 HAVE DISAPPE>$ TO 5T] 9TO ! CIRCUIT ( A NEW CREATION4 ,IT IS TRUE ?AT ! M\NTA9 /ILL  APPE>S =MIDABLE TO US1 & WE CONTEMPLATE ) ADMIRATION1 M+L$ ) AL>M1 ! SUP]B PEAKS P5ETRAT+ F> AWAY BEYOND ! CL\DS1 9TO ! ICY ATMOSPH]E ( SPACE4 ,SO L(TY >E !SE SN[-CLAD PYRAMIDS  ?AT !Y CONCEAL ONE HALF ( ! SKY FROM US2 FROM BEL[1  !IR PRECIPICES1 :I* 9 VA9 \R GLANCE TRIES TO GRASP1  MAKE US DIZZY4 ,YET ALL ?IS IS BUT A RU9 M]E DEBRIS4  

,=M]LY ! /RATA ( SLATES1 LIME/ONE1 S&/ONE1  :I* RE/$ AGA9/ ! BASE ( ! M\NTA91 & H]E  & !RE RAIS$ !MSELVES UP 9TO SECOND>Y SUMMITS1  W\LD MEET AGA9 ABOVE ! TOP ( ! GRANITE 9 UNI=M LAY]S 2 !Y ADD$ !IR 5ORM\S ?ICKNESS TO !  ALREADY GREAT HEI<T ( ! TOPMO/ PEAK4 ,! ALTITUDE  ( ! M\NTA9 WAS D\BL$2 ! APEX !N ATTA9$  ?AT REGION 9 :I* ! ATMOSPH]E IS SO R>EFI$ ?AT  EV5 AN EAGLE'S W+S NO LONG] POSSESS ! P[] TO  SUPPORT HIM4 ,IT IS NOT N[ \R GLANCE1 IT IS \R IMAG9ATION ?AT IS FILL$ ) DREAD AT ! ?\<T ( :AT ?IS  M\NTA9 !N WAS1 & ( :AT ! SN[1 ! FRO/S1  ! RA9S1 & ! /ORMS HAVE SWEPT AWAY FROM IT 9 !  C\RSE ( AGES4 ,:AT 9F9ITE HI/ORY1 :AT VICISSITUDES  )\T NUMB]1 9 ! SUCCESSION ( PLANTS1 ANIMALS1 &  MAN S9CE ! M\NTA9S HAVE ?US *ANG$ !IR =M  & LO/ ! HALF ( !IR HEI<T6  

,?IS PRODIGI\S WORK ( P>+ AWAY C\LD NOT BE ACCOMPLI%$ )\T1 9 MANY PLACES1 LEAV+ UNEXCEPTIONABLE TRACES BEH9D4 ,! DDBRIS :I*1 ) ! SN[1  HAS SLIPP$ FROM ! TOP ( ! PEAKS1 DRIV5 D[N BE=E IT BY ! ICE1 HAV+ BE5 TRITURAT$1 P>$1 C>RI$  AWAY AS B\LD]S1 GRAVEL1 & S& BY ! WAT]S1 HAS  NOT ALWAYS RETURN$ TO ! SEA1 :5CE1 AT AN ANT]IOR  P]IOD1 IT CAME =?2 5ORM\S ACCUMULATIONS >E /ILL  TO BE SE5 9 ! SPACE ?AT SEP>ATES ! BOLD DECLIVITIES ( ! M\NTA9S FROM ! L[ L&S BORD]+  ON ! OCEAN4 ,9 ?IS 9T]M$IATE ZONE1 9 :I* !  SMALL] HILLS RUN \T 9 LONG UNDULATIONS LIKE ! WAVES  ( ! SEA1 ! SOIL IS 5TIRELY COMPOS$ ( ROLL$-D[N  /ONES & HEAP$-UP GRAVEL4 ,ALL >E ! REMA9S ( !  M\NTA91 R$UC$ BY ! WAT] 9TO M9UTE FRAGM5TS1  TRANSPORT$ 9 SMALL QUANTITIES1 & P\R$ \T 9 VA/  ALLUVIONS AT ! M\?S ( L>GE VALLEYS4 ,! TORR5TS1  DESC5D$ FROM ! HEI<TS1 EXCAVATE AT !IR LEISURE !SE  PLATEAUX ( DEBRIS1 CAUS+ ! TALUS TO SLIP D[N ! 9D5TATIONS :I* !Y HAVE DUG \T4 ,ON ! SLOPES (  ! DEEP DIT*1 ) ITS W9D+ /REAM1 ! DIV]SE ROCKS  :I* PROVID$ ! MAT]IALS = ! GREAT $IFICE1 !  M\NTA91 >E TO BE SE5 9 ! MO/ GL>+ CONFUSION 3  H]E >E BLOCKS ( GRANITE & FRAGM5TS ( PORPHYRY 2  !RE >E S*I/S1 ) %>P RIDGES1 HALF BURI$ 9 ! S& 2 9 O!R PLACES >E PIECES ( QU>TZ1 S&/ONE1  B\LD]S ( LIME/ONE1 LUMPS ( M9]AL ORE1 DULL CRY/ALS4 ,ALSO >E TO BE F\ND FOSSILS ( DIFF]5T P]IODS1  &1 9 ?OSE OP5+S 9 :I* ! WAT]S HAVE SO LONG  BE5 $DY+ R\ND1 MANY SKELETONS ( FLOAT+ ANIMALS  HAVE BE5 >RE/$4 ,IT IS !RE ?AT BY ?\S&S W]E  DISCOV]$ BONES ( ! HIPPALION1 URUS1 ELK1 RH9OC]OS1  MA/ODON1 MAMMO?1 & O!R GREAT MAMMALIA1 :I*  =M]LY W&]$ AB\T \R FIELDS1 & HAVE N[ DISAPPE>$1 YIELD+ TO MAN ! DOM9ION ( ! WORLD4 ,!  SAME TORR5TS :I* BR\<T ALL !SE REMA9S C>RY !M  AWAY AGA9 PIECE BY PIECE1 R$UC+ !M TO P[D] 2  SKELETONS & FOSSILS1 CLAY & S&1 BLOCKS ( S*I/1 (  S&/ONE1 & PORPHYRY1 ALL GIVE WAY BY DEGREES ALL  W5D !IR WAY TO ! SEA2 ! IMM5SE WORK ( D5UDATION1 :I* HAS BE5 ACCOMPLI%$ 9 ! GREAT M\NTA91 COMM5CES AGA9 ON A SMALL SCALE ) ! ACCUMULATIONS ( RUBBI% 2 HOLL[$ \T 9TO RAV9ES BY ! WAT]1 !Y GRADUALLY FALL AWAY 9 HEI<T !Y BREAK UP  9TO DI/9CT HILLS4 ,NEV]!LESS1 EV5 DIM9I%$ AS IT  IS BY ! WORK ( C5TURIES1 ALL CRUMBL+ & RU9$1  ! PLATEAU ( DETRITUS1 EXT5D$ AT ! BASE ( ! M\NTA91 W\LD SUFFICE TO ADD SOME ?\S&S ( Y>DS TO !  PR9CIPAL PEAK1 IF IT W]E TO RESUME ITS FIR/ POSITION 9  ! /RATA ( ROCK4 0,IT IS BY LICK+ ! M\NTA9S10  SAYS AN ANCI5T PRAY] ( ! ,H9DUS1 0 ?AT ! CELE/IAL C[ 0 7?AT IS TO SAY1 ! RA9 FROM HEAV57 0 =M$  ! FIELDS40  

#c"9  

,UND] \R V]Y EYES ! WORK ( D5UDATION ( !  ROCKS GOES ON ) SURPRIS+ ACTIVITY4 ,WE SEE M\NTA9S1 COMPOS$ ( V]Y 9COH]5T MAT]IALS1 MELT1 DISSOLVE1 SO TO SAY 2 GORGES >E HOLL[$ \T 9 ! SIDES ( ! M\NTA91 BREA*ES OP5$ 9 ! C5T] ( ! CRE/ 2  FURR[$ BY AVALAN*ES & FLOODS1 ! GREAT MASS1 SO  LATELY COMPACT & SOLIT>Y1 BY DEGREES BECOMES DIVID$  9TO TWO DI/9CT PEAKS1 APP>5TLY RETREAT+ FROM ONE  ANO!R AS ! EXCAVATION ( ! SEP>AT+ GULF EXT5DS  F>!R & F>!R D[N4  

,ESPECIALLY 9 ! SPR+1 :5 ! GR\ND HAS BE5  SATURAT$ ) ! MELT+ SN[1 L&SLIPS1 SUBSID5CE1  & ]OSION ASSUME SU* PROPORTIONS ?AT ! :OLE  M\NTA9 SEEMS TO DESIRE TO S9K D[N & TO TAKE ITS  WAY 9TO ! PLA94 ,ONE DAMP1 W>M DAY1 ,I HAD V5TUR$ 9TO ONE ( ! M\NTA9 GORGES TO LOOK AT !  SN[ ONCE MORE BE=E ! 4WAT]S ( SPR+ %\LD HAVE  SWEPT IT AWAY4 ,IT /ILL OB/RUCT$ ! BOTTOM ( ! RAV9E1 BUT 9 MANY PLACES IT WAS UNRECOGNIZABLE1 TO SU*  AN EXT5T WAS IT COV]$ ) BLACK DEBRIS & MIX$ UP  ) MUD4 ,! SLATE - COLOR$ ROCKS COMM&+ !  GORGE SEEM$ TO BE *ANG$ 9TO A SORT ( PULP1 & TO  HAVE SUNK D[N 9 GREAT LUMPS 2 ! BLACK MIRE OOZ+  9 /REAMLETS \T ( ! WALLS ( ! DEFILE WAS P\R+  ) A DULL RUMBL+ S\ND 9TO ! SEMI-LIQUID SN[4  ,ON EV]Y SIDE ,I BEHELD NO?+ BUT CAT>ACTS ( SULLI$  SN[ & DEBRIS 2 9/9CTIVELY ,I ASK$ MYSELF1 9 A SORT  ( AL>M1 IF ! ROCKS1 MELT+ LIKE ! SN[1 W\LD NOT  UNITE AT ! HEAD ( ! VALLEY 9 ONE VISC\S MASS &  MAKE !IR ESCAPE RI<T D[N ! C\NTRY8 ,! TORR5T1 :I* ,I P]CEIV$ H]E & !RE ?R\< HOLES1 TO  ! BOTTOM ( :I* ! UPP] B$S ( SN[ HAD FALL51  APPE>$ TO BE TRANS=M$ 9TO A RIV] ( 9K1 SO HEAVILY W]E ITS WAT]S LAD5 ) DETRITUS 2 IT WAS ONE 5ORM\S MASS ( MUD 9 MOTION4 ,9/EAD ( ! CLE>1 JOY\S S\ND ,I HAD BE5 ACCU/OM$ TO HE>1 ! TORR5T S5T =? ONE CONT9UAL RO>1 >IS+ FROM ! RUBBI% REVOLV+ ON ! BOTTOM ( ! B$4 ,IT IS 9 SPR+ ESPECIALLY1 AT ! P]IOD ( ! E>?'S ANNUAL R5OVATION1  ?AT WE SEE ?IS PRODIGI\S WORK ( DE/RUCTION C>RI$  \T4  

,9 ADDITION TO ?IS1 AN IMM5SE AM\NT ( 9VISIBLE  LABOR GOES ON 9SIDE ! /ONE4 ,ALL ! *ANGES CAUS$  BY ! WEA!R >E BUT EXT]NAL MODIFICATIONS2 ! 9T]NAL TRANS=MATIONS ACCOMPLI%$ 9 ! MOLECULES (  ROCK HAVE AT LEA/ EQUALLY IMPORTANT RESULTS4 ,:ILE !  M\NTA9 DISPLACES ITS /ONES ON ! EXT]IOR & 9CESSANTLY *ANGES ITS ASPECT1 9 ! 9T]IOR IT ASSUMES A NEW  /RUCTURE1 & EV5 ! COMPOSITION ( ! /RATA BECOMES  MODIFI$4 ,TAK5 9 ITS 5SEMBLE1 ! M\NTA9 IS AN IMM5SE NATURAL LABORATORY 9 :I* ALL ! PHYSICAL &  *EMICAL =CES >E AT WORK1 MAK+ USE ( TIME1 ?AT  SOV]EIGN AG5T :I* MAN HAS NOT AT HIS DISPOSAL1 9 ORD] TO ACCOMPLI% !IR TASK4  

,9 ! FIR/ PLACE1 ! 5ORM\S WEI<T ( ! M\NTA91 EQUIVAL5T TO HUNDR$S ( ?\S&S ( TONS1 PRESSES  SO P[]FULLY UPON ! L[] ROCKS AS TO IMP>T TO MANY  ( !M A V]Y DIFF]5T APPE>ANCE FROM ?AT :I*  !Y POSSESS$ ON EM]G+ FROM ! SEA4 ,LITTLE BY LITTLE1 B5EA? ?IS =MIDABLE PRESSURE1 ! SLATES & O!R  S*I/\S =MATIONS ASSUME A LEAF -LIKE /RUCTURE4 ,:ILE  ?\S&S & ?\S&S ( C5TURIES >E PASS+ AWA_> ,T 1  ! COMPRESS$ MOLECULES GR[ 9TO ?9N] LEAFLETS1  :I* EV5TUALLY CAN BE EASILY SEP>AT$1 :51 AFT]  SOME GEOLOGICAL REVOLUTION1 ! ROCK ONCE MORE F9DS ITSELF BR\<T TO ! SURFACE4 ,! ACTION ( ! E>?'S  HEAT1 UP TO A C]TA9 DI/ANCE AT LEA/1 9CREASES ) !  DEP?1 & ALSO CONTRIBUTES TO *ANG+ ! /RUCTURE ( ! ROCKS4 ,IT IS ?US ?AT ! LIME/ONES HAVE BE5 TRANS=M$ 9TO M>BLE4  

,BUT NOT ONLY DO ! MOLECULES ( ! ROCK APPROA*  OR RETIRE FROM ONE ANO!R1 GR\P !MSELVES DIV]SELY  ACCORD+ TO ! PHYSICAL CONDITIONS 9 :I* !Y F9D  !MSELVES DUR+ ! C\RSE ( AGES1 BUT ! COMPOSITION ( ! /ONES *ANGES EQUALLY 2 IT IS ONE CONT9UAL  CROSS+ BACKW>D & =W>D AN 9CESSANT TRAVEL+  TO & FRO ( ! BODIES :I* DISPLACE1 BECOME MIX$  UP )1 & FOLL[ ONE ANO!R4 ,! WAT] :I* P5ETRATES ?R\< ALL ! FISSURES 9TO ! ?ICKNESS ( !  M\NTA91 & ?AT :I* RISES UP AGA9 9 VAPORS FROM  ! PR(\ND ABYSSES1 S]VES AS ! PR9CIPAL VEHICLE =  ?OSE ELEM5TS1 AT ONE TIME ATTRACT+1 !N REPELL+ ONE  ANO!R1 :I* >E DRAWN D[N 9TO ! GREAT VORTEX (  GEOLOGICAL LIFE4 ,ONE CRY/AL IS DRIV5 \T BY ANO!R  FROM ! FISSURES ( ! M\NTA9 2 IRON1 COPP]1 SILV]1  OR GOLD REPLACE ! CLAY & HOT LIME 2 ! DULL ROCK BECOMES IRISAT$ ) ! MULTITUDE ( SUB/ANCES P5ETRAT+ IT4 ,BY ! DISPLACEM5T ( C>BON1 SULFUR1 &  PHOSPHORUS1 ! LIME BECOMES M>L1 DOLOMITE1 PLA/]1  GYPSUM1 CRY/ALL9E 2 9 CONSEQU5CE ( !SE NEW COMB9ATIONS1 ! ROCK EXP&S OR CONTRACTS1 & REVOLUTIONS  >E SL[LY ACCOMPLI%$ 9 ! BOSOM ( ! M\NTA94  ,SOON ! /ONE1 COMPRESS$ 9TO TOO N>R[ A SPACE1 UPHEAVES1 SCATT]S ! SUP]9CUMB5T /RATA1 CAUSES 5ORM\S PIECES TO FALL AWAY1 &1 BY SL[ EF=TS1 :OSE RESULTS >E ! SAME AS ?OSE ( A PRODIGI\S EXPLOSION1  GIVES A NEW >RANGEM5T TO ! ROCKS ( ! M\NTA94  ,AT ONE TIME ! /ONE CONTRACTS1 SPLITS1 HOLL[S ITSELF \T  9TO GROTTOS & GALL]IES 2 A GREAT D[NFALL TAKES PLACE1  ?US MODIFY+ ! EXT]IOR ASPECT & =M ( ! M\NTA94 ,AT EV]Y 9T]NAL MODIFICATION 9 ! COMPOSITION ( ! ROCK1 A CORRESPOND+ *ANGE TAKES PLACE  \TSIDE4 ,9 ITSELF ! M\NTA9 RECAPITULATES EV]Y GEOLOGICAL REVOLUTION4 ,IT HAS GR[N DUR+ ?\S&S (  C5TURIES1 DIM9I%$ DUR+ O!R ?\S&S1 & 9 ITS  /RATA ALL ! PH5OM5A ( 9CREASE & DECREASE1 (  =MATION & DE/RUCTION1 :I* >E ACCOMPLI%$ ON A  L>G] SCALE 9 ! GREAT E>? SUCCE$ ONE ANO!R )\T 5D4 ,! HI/ORY ( ! M\NTA9 IS ?AT ( !  PLANET ITSELF 2 IT IS ONE UNCEAS+ DE/ROY+1 ONE 5DLESS  BUILD+-UP AGA94  

,EV]Y ROCK RECAPITULATES A GEOLOGICAL P]IOD4 ,9 ?IS  M\NTA91 SO GRACEFUL 9 ITS \TL9E1 ! E>? SPR+S UP  SO GR&LY ?AT ANY ONE W\LD BELIEVE IT TO BE ! WORK  ( ONE DAY1 SU* UNITY DOES ITS :OLE =M BETRAY1 SO  ?OR\<LY DO ! DETAILS CO9CIDE ) ! G5]AL H>MONY4 ,& YET A MYRIAD ( C5TURIES HAS BE5 SP5T  9 MODEL+ ?IS M\NTA94 ,H]E SOME ANCI5T GRANITE  TELLS ( PA/ AGES 9 :I* ! VEGETABLE FIB] HAD NOT YET  COV]$ ! T]RE/RIAL SCORIAE4 ,! GNEISS ITSELF1 ONLY  =M$ AT A TIME :5 PLANTS & ANIMALS W]E YET UNBORN1 TELLS US ?AT :5 ! OCEAN DEPOSIT$ IT UPON !  %ORES M\NTA9S HAD ALREADY BE5 DEMOLI%$ BY !  WAVES4 ,! SLAB ( SLATE1 PRES]V+ ! BONES OR M]ELY A SLI<T IMPRESSION ( SOME ANIMAL1 RELATES ! HI/ORY  ( 9NUM]ABLE G5]ATIONS :I* HAVE FOLL[$ ONE ANO!R UPON ! SURFACE ( ! E>? 9 ! NEV]-5D+  BATTLE ( LIFE 2 ! TRACES ( COAL SPEAK TO US ( IMM5SE  =E/S1 EA* ONE ( :I*1 9 DY+1 HAS MADE BUT ONE  ?9 C>BONIF]\S LAY] 2 ! :ITE *ALK1 AN ACCUMULATION ( ANIMALCULA1 :I* ! MICROSCOPE REVEALS TO US1  5ABLES US TO TAKE P>T 9 ! WORK ( MULTITUDES ( ORGANISMS SW>M+ AT ! BOTTOM ( ! SEA2 ! REMA9S  ( EV]Y SPECIES %[ US ! WAT] ( ! RA9S1 ! SN[1  ! GLACI]S1 ! TORR5TS SWEEP+ D[N ! M\NTA9S  9 =M] TIMES JU/ AS !Y DO AT ! PRES5T DAY1 &  FROM AGE TO AGE *ANG+ ! SC5E ( !IR ACTIVITY4  

,AT ! ?\<T ( ALL !SE REVOLUTIONS1 !SE 9CESSANT TRANS=MATIONS1 ?IS CONT9U$ S]IES ( PH5OM5A PRODUC$ 9 ! M\NTA91 ( ! P>T IT PLAYS 9 !  G5]AL LIFE ( ! E>? & 9 ! HI/ORY ( MANK9D1  WE COMPREH5D ! FIR/ POETS1 :O1 AT ! FOOT ( !  ,PAMIR OR ,BOLOR1 RELAT$ ?OSE MY?S :5CE ALL O!RS  >E D]IV$4 ,!Y TELL US ?AT ! M\NTA9 IS A C]ATOR4 ,IT IS ! M\NTA9 ?AT P\RS 9TO ! PLA9S !  F]TILIZ+ WAT]S1 & S5DS !M ! N\RI%+ MUD4  ,! M\NTA9 IT IS ?AT1 ) ! SUN'S AID1 BR+S TO LIFE  ! PLANTS1 ANIMALS1 & MAN 2 IT IS ! M\NTA9 :I*  DECKS ! DES]T ) FL[]S & S[S IT ) HAPPY  CITIES4 ,ACCORD+ TO AN ANCI5T ,HELL5IC LEG5D1 IT WAS  ,]OS :O CAUS$ ! M\NTA9S TO RISE UP & MODEL$  ! E>? ?AT GOD ( EV]LA/+ Y\?1 ! FIR/-BORN  ( ,*AOS 2 ?AT NATURE :I* R5EWS ITSELF UNCEAS+LY1  ! GOD ( ET]NAL LOVE4  

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,N,O,T ONLY IS ! M\NTA9 BE+ 9CESSANTLY TRANS=M$ 9TO PLA9S BY ! ]OSIONS :I* ! RA9SJ !  FRO/S1 ! SLIPP]Y SN[1 ! AVALAN*ES1 CAUSE IT TO UND]GO1 BUT EV5 MANY FRAGM5TS BREAK AWAY ) A VIOL5T & SUDD5 FALL4 ,SIMIL> CATA/ROPHES >E FREQU5T  9 ?OSE PORTIONS ( ! M\NTA9 9 :I* ! ]ECT OR  OV]HANG+ /RATA >E WIDELY SEP>AT$ FROM ONE ANO!R BY MAT]IALS ( A DIFF]5T NATURE1 :I* ! WAT] CAN WA% AWAY OR DISSOLVE4 ,:5 !SE 9T]M$IATE SUB/ANCES DISAPPE>1 ! /RATA1 DEPRIV$ ( SUPPORT1  MU/ SOON] OR LAT] SUBSIDE 9TO ! VALLEY4 ,!SE  FALL5 DEBRIS =M A KNOLL1 A HILL1 OR EV5 A SECOND>Y  M\NTA9 BY ! SIDE ( ! GREAT] ESC>PM5TS4  

,ONE /ATELY PEAK1 :I* ,I LOV$ TO CLIMB ON ACC\NT  ( ITS ISOLATION & ! PR\D BEAUTY ( ITS CRE/S1 HAD  ALWAYS APPE>$ TO ME1 LIKE ! GREAT SUMMIT ITSELF1 TO  BE AN 9DEP5D5T ROCK1 CL++1 BY ITS DEEP LAY]S1 TO  ! SUBJAC5T E>? 2 YET IT WAS BUT A HUGE PIECE DETA*$  FROM A NEI<BOR+ M\NTA94 ,I RECOGNIZ$ ?IS1 ONE  DAY1 FROM ! POSITION ( ! /RATA & FROM ! APPE>ANCE ( ! M>KS /ILL VISIBLE ON ! BROK5 P>TS ( !  TWO CORRESPOND+ WALLS4 ,! MASS :I* HAD FALL5  D[N1 & N[ BORE HAMLETS & FIELDS1 WOODS & PA/URES1 HAD ONLY NE$$1 AFT] ! RUPTURE1 TO PIVOT ITS BASE  & TURN OV] UPON ITSELF4 ,ONE ( ITS FACES HAD BE5  BURI$ 9 ! SOIL1 :ILE ON ! O!R SIDE IT HAD BE5  P>TIALLY UPROOT$4 ,9 ITS FALL IT HAD CLOS$ UP ! \TLET ( AN 5TIRE VALLEY1 & ! TORR5T1 =M]LY FL[+  PEACEFULLY 9 ! BOTTOM1 HAD BE5 OBLIG$ TO TRANS=M  ITSELF 9TO A LAKE1 9 ORD] TO FILL UP ! VALLEY 9 :I*  IT WAS IMPRISON$1 & :5CE IT DESC5DS ONCE MORE1  AT ?IS V]Y TIME1 BY A SUCCESSION ( RAPIDS & CASCADES4  ,NO D\BT !SE *ANGES TOOK PLACE BE=E ! C\NTRY  WAS 9HABIT$1 = ! TRADITION ( ! EV5T HAS NOT BE5  PRES]V$4 ,IT IS GEOLOGY ?AT TEA*ES ! PEASANT !  HI/ORY ( HIS [N M\NTA94  

,AS TO ! L&SLIPS ( M9OR IMPORTANCE1 ! FALL (  ROCKS1 :I*1 )\T S5SIBLY *ANG+ ! ASPECT (  ! C\NTRY1 NONE ! LESS LAY WA/E ! PA/URES &  DEMOLI% ! VILLAGES ) !IR 9HABITANTS1 ! M\NTA9E]S DO NOT NE$ US TO DESCRIBE !M2 UNHAPPILY1  !Y HAVE TOO (T5 WITNESS$ !SE T]RIBLE OCCURR5CES4  ,ORD9>ILY1 !Y RECEIVE A W>N+ SOME %ORT TIME BE=E4 ,?AT P>T :I* HAS BE5 PU%$ \T ( ! 9T]IOR ( ! M\NTA9 9 LABOR CAUSES ! /ONE 9CESSANTLY  TO VIBRATE FROM ! TOP TO ! V]Y F\NDATIONS ( !  WALLS4 ,LITTLE HALF-LOOS5$ FRAGM5TS FIR/ BECOME DETA*$1 & B\ND D[N ! :OLE L5G? ( ! SLOPES4  ,HEAVI] MASSES1 C>RI$ AW R AYE 9 !IR TURN1 FOLL[ !  LESS] /ONES BY TAK+1 LIKE !M1 GREAT LEAPS 9TO SPACE4  ,!N COME :OLE LUMPS ( ROCK2 EV]Y?+ ?AT MU/  GIVE WAY BREAKS ! BONDS :I* ATTA*$ IT TO ! 9T]IOR SKELETON ( ! M\NTA91 & ) ONE BL[ !  FE>FUL HAIL-/ORM ( B\LD]S CRA%ES D[N UPON !  TR\BL$ PLA94 ,! HUBBUB IS 9DESCRIBABLE 2 IT IS LIKE A BATTLE AMONG A HUNDR$ TEMPE/S4 ,EV5 9 BROAD DAYLI<T ! DPBRIS ( ! ROCKS1 M+L$ ) ! DU/1 !  VEGETABLE MOLD1 ! FRAGM5TS ( PLANTS1 TOTALLY OBSCUR$ ! SKY 2 SOMETIMES EVIL-BOD+ FLA%ES ( LI<TN+1 PROCE$+ FROM ! ROCKS1 HURL$ AGA9/ ONE ANO!R1 BUR/ ?R\< ?IS GLOOM4 ,AFT] ! /ORM1 :5  ! M\NTA9 HAS CEAS$ TO DA% ITS SEV]$ ROCKS 9TO  ! PLA91 :5 ! ATMOSPH]E HAS CLE>$ AGA91 !  9HABITANTS -( ! C\NTRY :I* IS SP>$ COME TO CONTEMPLATE ! DISA/]4 ,COTTAGES & G>D5S1 5CLOSURES  & PA/URES1 HAVE DISAPPE>$ B5EA? ! HIDE\S *AOS  ( /ONES 2 !RE1 TOO1 >E FRI5DS1 RELATIVES1 SLEEP+ !IR  LA/ SLEEP4 ,! M\NTA9E]S HAVE TOLD ME ?AT 9 !IR  VALLEY ONE VILLAGE1 TWICE DE/ROY$ BY AVALAN*ES (  /ONES1 HAS BE5 REBUILT A ?IRD TIME UPON ! SAME SITE4  ,! 9HABITANTS W\LD GLADLY HAVE FL$ & *OS5 SOME  L>G] VALLEY = !IR DWELL+1 BUT NO NEI<BOR+ P>I% W\LD RECEIVE OR GIVE UP ANY GR\ND TO !M4 ,!Y  W]E OBLIG$ TO REMA9 B5EA? ! M5AC+ OV]HANG+ ROCKS4 ,EV]Y EV5+ A FEW TOLLS ( ! BELL REM9D  !M ( ! T]RORS ( ! PA/1 & W>N !M ( !  FATE ?AT MAY P]HAPS OV]TAKE !M DUR+ ! NI<T4  

,NUMB]S ( FALL5 ROCKS1 :I* >E TO BE SE5 9 !  MIDDLE ( ! FIELDS1 HAVE A T]RIBLE LEG5D ATTA*$ TO  !M1 BUT SOME FEW O!RS >E ALSO %[N TO US :I*  HAVE MISS$ !IR PREY4 ,ONE ( ?OSE 5ORM\S OV]HANG+ BLOCKS1 & :OSE BASE WAS ROOT$ 9 ! GR\ND  ON EV]Y SIDE1 RISES UP BY ! SIDE ( ! ROAD4 ,:ILE  ADMIR+ ITS SUP]B PROPORTIONS1 ITS MI<TY MASS1 !  F95ESS ( ITS GRA91 ,I C\LD NOT RE/RA9 A K9D ( DREAD4  ,A SMALL FOOTPA?1 DIV]G+ FROM ! ROAD1 L$ /RAI<T  TO ! FOOT ( A =MIDABLE /ONE4 ,CLOSE TO IT SOME REMA9S ( E>!NW>E & COAL W]E HEAP$ UP AT ITS  BASE1 A G>D5 PAL+ /OPP$ ABRUPTLY AT ! ROCK1 &  BORD]S ( VEGETABLES1 HALF OV]GR[N BY WE$S1 SURR\ND$ ONE :OLE SIDE ( ! 5ORM\S MASS4  

,:O HAD SELECT$ ?IS /RANGE SPOT = HIS G>D5 &  SO SOON AB&ON$ IT8 ,I UND]/OOD BY DEGREES4 ,!  FOOTPA?1 ! ACCUMULATION ( COAL1 ! G>D51 HAD BUT  LATELY BELONG$ TO A LITTLE H\SE1 N[ CRU%$ B5EABH  ! ROCK4 ,DUR+ ! NI<T ( ! D[NFALL A MAN1 AS ,I  LE>N$ LAT]1 WAS SLEEP+ ALONE 9 ?AT H\SE4 ,/>T+ UP \T ( HIS SLEEP1 HE HE>D ! NOISE ( ! /ONE  FALL+ FROM CRAG TO CRAG D[N ! M\NTA9'S SIDE1 &1  SEIZ$ ) T]ROR1 HE ?REW HIMSELF \T ( ! W9D[1  TO SEEK %ELT] BEH9D ! /EEP BANK ( ! TORR5T4  ,H>DLY HAD HE RU%$1 \T ( HIS DWELL+ BE=E !  5ORM\S PROJECTILE FELL UPON ! COTTAGE1 BURY+ IT  SOME Y>DS DEEP 9 ! GR\ND B5EA?4 ,AFT] HIS =TUNATE ESCAPE"9 ! BRAVE MAN REBUILT HIS CAB9 2 HE SET IT  UP CONFID5TLY AT ! FOOT ( ANO!R ROCK :I* HAD  FALL5 FROM ! =MIDABLE WALL4  

,9 MANY M\NTA9 VALLEYS ! DEFILES :]E TORR5TS  OR FOOT-TRACKS ) DIFFICULTY =CE !IR WAY >E =M$  BY ! D[NFALL ( /ONES CALL$ CLAPI]S1 LAPIAZ1 OR *AOS4  ,!RE IS NO?+ MORE CURI\S ?AN ! CONFUSION ( !SE  MASSES MIX$ UP 9 AN 5DLESS LABYR9?4 ,UP ABOVE1 ON  ! SIDE ( ! M\NTA91 ! COLOR & %APE ( !  ROCKS /ILL 5ABLE US TO DI/+UI% ! SPOT :]E !  D[NFALL BEGAN 2 BUT ) AMAZEM5T WE ASK \RSELVES  H[ A PLACE ( SU* APP>5TLY SMALL DIM5SIONS C\LD  DIS*>GE A SIMIL> DELUGE ( /ONES 9TO ! VALLEY4 ,9  ! MID/ ( !SE /RANGE =MIDABLE BLOCKS1 ! TRAVEL] MI<T BELIEVE HIMSELF TO BE 9 A WORLD 9 :I* NO?+ REM9D$ HIM ( ! KN[N PLANET1 ( ! SMOO?  OR G5TLY UNDULAT$ SURFACE4 ,ROCKS RESEMBL+ FANTA/IC MONUM5TS RISE UP H]E & !RE 2 !Y RESEMBLE  T[]S1 OBELISKS1 CR5ELAT$ >*WAYS1 %AFTS ( COLUMNS1  TOMBS TURN$ UPSIDE-D[N OR /&+ ]ECT4 ,ONE S+LE B\LD]1 =M+ A BRIDGE1 CONCEALS ! TORR5T 2 WE  SEE ! WAT]S RU% 9 & DISAPPE> B5EA? ! 5ORM\S >CADE1 & WE EV5 CEASE TO HE> ITS VOICE4 ,AMID  !SE MON/R\S $IFICES GIGANTIC =MS APPE>1 LIKE ?OSE  ( ! FOSSILIZ$ ANIMALS :OSE DISCONNECT$ BONES >E  SOMETIMES F\ND 9 ! E>?'S /RATA4 ,MAMMO?S1 MA/ODONS1 GIANT TURTLES1 W+$ CROCODILES ALL !SE *IM]ICAL BE+S SW>M 9 ! T]RIBLE *AOS4 ,?\S&S (  !SE /ONES >E PIL$ UP 9 ! DEFILE1 & YET ONE S+LE  SPECIM5 IS ( SUFFICI5T DIM5SIONS TO S]VE AS A QU>RY1  & TO SUPPLY BUILD+ MAT]IALS = :OLE VILLAGES4  

,!SE DA_/PI]S1 :I* ,I BEHOLD ) SU* A/ONI%M5T1 & AMID :I* ,I ONLY V5TURE HESITAT+LY1 >E  C]TA9LY TRIFLES COMP>$ ) SOME M\NTA9 L&SLIPS1  :OSE DEBRIS COV]S A GREAT EXT5T ( C\NTRY4 ,!RE >E  M\NTA9\S MASSES :OSE PEAKS >E COMPOS$ ( COMPACT HEAVY ROCKS RE/+ UPON FRIABLE B$S1 EASILY WA%$  AWAY BY WAT]4 ,9 !SE MASSES ! D[NFALL ( /ONES  IS A NORMAL PH5OM5ON1 AS W\LD BE AVALAN*ES &  RA94 ,! PEOPLE >E ALWAYS LOOK+ UP AT ! SUMMITS1  TO SEE IF ! SLIP IS BE+ PREP>$4 ,9 A REGION NOT V]Y  REMOTE1 & CALL$ ! ,C\NTRY ( ,RU9S1 >E TWO M\NTA9S :I*1 ACCORD+ TO ! TALES ( ! 9HABITANTS1  HAD =M]LY BE5 5GAG$ 9 CONFLICT TOGE!R4 ,!  TWO /ONE GIANTS1 BECOM+ ANIMATE1 >E SAID TO HAVE  >M$ !MSELVES ) !IR [N ROCKS1 TO RU9 & DEMOLI% ONE ANO!R4 ,!Y DID NOT SUCCE$1 = !Y >E BO? /ILL LEFT /&+ 2 BUT ONE CAN IMAG9E ! PRODIGI\S HEAPS ( ROCKS :I*1 S9CE ?AT BATTLE1 HAVE /REWN  ! PLA9S = A GREAT DI/ANCE4  

,SOMETIMES1 DESPITE HIS WEAKNESS1 MAN HAS ESSAY$ TO  IMITATE ! M\NTA9S1 DO+ SO 9 ORD] TO CRU% O!R  M5 LIKE HIMSELF4 ,IT WAS ESPECIALLY 9 ! DEFILES1 9  PLACES :]E ! GORGE IS N>R[ & COMM&$ BY  /EEP ESC>PM5TS1 ?AT ! M\NTA9E]S ASSEMBL$ TO  ROLL BLOCKS ( /ONE UPON !IR 5EMIES' HEADS4 ,?US !  ,BASQUES1 HIDD5 BEH9D BRU%WOOD UPON ! SLOPES (  ! M\NTA9 ( ,ALTABISC>1 AWAIT$ ! ,FR5* >MY BELONG+ TO ! ,PALAD9 ,ROL&1 :O WAS TO P5ETRATE 9TO  ! N>R[ PASS ( ,RONCESVALLES4 ,:5 ! COLUMNS (  =EIGN SOLDI]S1 LIKE A LONG S]P5T GLID+ 9TO A CREVICE  9 A WALL1 HAD FILL$ ! DEFILE1 A CRY WAS HE>D & A HAIL/ORM ( ROCKS WAS P\R$ D[N UPON ! CR[D MOV+  BEL[4 ,! /REAM 9 ! VALLEY WAS SWOLL5 ) !  BLOOD FL[+ FROM ! CRU%$ BODIES1 LIKE W9E FROM  A PRESS 2 IT SWEPT AWAY ! HUMAN CORPSES & BRUIS$  LIMBS AS IT SWEPT AWAY /ONES 9 TIMES ( TEMPE/4 ,ALL  ! ,FRANKI% W>RIORS P]I%$1 MIX$ UP TOGE!R 9 A  BLE$+ MASS4 ,! SPOT :]E ! ,PALAD9 ,ROL& DI$  ) HIS COMPANIONS IS /ILL %[N AT ! FOOT ( ,ALTABISC> 2 BUT ! /ONES B5EA? :I* HIS >MY WAS CRU%$  HAVE LONG S9CE DISAPPE>$ UND] A C>PET ( HEA!R  & FURZE4  

,! RESULTS ( \R SMALL HUMAN LABORS >E TRIFLES COMP>$ ) ! NATURAL D[NFALL CAUS$ BY ! ACTION (  ! WEA!R1 OR 9 CONSEQU5CE ( 9T]NAL UPHEAVALS (  ! M\NTA9S4 ,EV5 AFT] LONG C5TURIES1 ! GREAT AVALAN*ES ( /ONES PRES5T SU* A SC5E ( CONFUSION AS TO  LEAVE AN IMPRESSION ( HORROR & FRI<T ON \R M9DS4 ,BUT :5 NATURE HAS 5D$ BY REPAIR+ ! DISA/]1 !  MO/ BEAUTIFUL SPOTS 9 ! M\NTA9S >E PRECISELY ?OSE  :]E ! ESC>PM5TS HAVE %AK5 !MSELVES SO VIOL5TLY AS TO SCATT] ! ROCKS TO !IR V]Y BASE4 ,DUR+  ! C\RSE ( AGES ! WAT]S HAVE DONE !IR WORK 2 !Y  HAVE BR\<T CLAY1 T5U\S S&1 TO REBUILD !IR B$S &  TO =M A LAY] ( VEGETABLE MOLD ON !IR %ORES4 ,!  TORR5TS HAVE BY DEGREES CLE>$ !IR C\RSE BY >RANG+ OR DISPLAC+ ! /ONES :I* W]E 9 !IR WAY 2  ?IS MON/] SPECIES ( PAVEM5T1 =M$ BY ! SMALLE/  ROCKS1 COV]$ ITSELF ANEW ) TURF & BECAME *ANG$  9TO A PA/URE FULL ( M\NDS & BRI/L+ ) CRAGS 2  ! GREAT ROCKS HAVE CLO!D !MSELVES ) MOSS1 :ILE  H]E & !RE !Y >E GR\P$ 9 PICTURESQUE M9IATURE M\NTA9S 2 CLUMPS ( TREES GR[ BESIDE EA* ROCKY  PROJECTION1 & SPREAD ! MO/ *>M+ GR\PS OV] A  C\NTRY :I* WAS ALREADY SO 'LOVELY4 ,LIKE MAN'S C\NT5ANCE1 ! FACE ( NATURE *ANGES ITS PHYSIOGNOMY 2 A  FR[N IS SUCCE$$ BY A SMILE4  

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,U,P,O,N ! VA/ GLOBE1 ! M\NTA91 L(TY AS IT APPE>S1  IS BUT A S+LE RUGOSITY1 SMALL] 9 PROPORTION ?AN W\LD  BE A W>T UPON AN ELEPHANT'S BODY2 IT IS A SPECK1 A GRA9  ( S&4 ,& YET ?AT PROJECTION1 SO DIM9UTIVE :5  COMP>$ ) ! GREAT E>?1 BA!S ITS SIDES & CRE/S  9 A]IAL REGIONS V]Y DIFF]5T FROM ?OSE ( ! PLA9S  :I* S]VE AS ! PEOPLE'S DWELL+-PLACE4 ,! P$E/RIAN :O1 9 ! SPACE ( A FEW H\RS1 ASC5DS FROM !  FOOT ( ! ROCKS TO !IR SUMMIT 9 REALITY MAKES A MU*  GREAT] VOYAGE1 ONE MU* MORE F]TILE 9 CONTRA/S1 ?AN  IF LIE SP5T YE>S 9 GO+ R\ND ! WORLD1 ACROSS SEAS  & ! L[] REGIONS ( CONT95TS4  

,IT IS ! AIR :I* WEI<S 9 HEAVY MASSES UPON !  OCEAN & C\NTRIES LY+ AT A TRIFL+ ELEVATION ABOVE  ! LEVEL ( ! SEA1 & 9 ! HEI<TS BECOMES R>EFI$1  GR[+ LI<T] & LI<T]4 ,UPON ! E>? HUNDR$S1  & EV5 ?\S&S1 ( M\NTA9S RAISE !IR CRE/S 9 AN  ATMOSPH]E :OSE MOLECULES >E TWICE AS SCATT]$ AS  ?OSE 9 ! AIR ( ! L[] REGIONS4 ,PH5OM5A (  LI<T1 HEAT1 CLIMATE1 VEGETATION1 ALL >E *ANG$ UP YOND]2 ! AIR1 MU* R>]1 EASILY ALL[S ! RAYS ( HEAT TO  PASS1 :E!R DESC5D+ FROM ! SUN OR RIS+ FROM !  E>?4 ,:5 ! ORB %9ES 9 A CLE> SKY1 ! TEMP]ATURE RAPIDLY RISES UPON ! HI<] SLOPES 2 BUT ! MOM5T ?AT IT HIDES ITSELF1 ! ELEVAT$ PORTIONS ( !  M\NTA9 IMM$IATELY BECOME COLD] 2 RADIATION SOON  CAUSES !M TO LOSE ! HEAT !Y HAD RECEIV$4 ,COLD1  TOO1 ALMO/ ALWAYS REIGNS 9 ! ALTITUDES 3 9 \R M\NTA9S IT AV]AGES ONE DEGREE COLD] 9 EV]Y V]TICAL SPACE  ( TWO HUNDR$ Y>DS4  

,AS = US1 POOR T[NSPEOPLE1 :O >E CONDEMN$ TO A  TA9T$ ATMOSPH]E1 :O RECEIVE 9TO \R ORGANS AN AIR  LAD5 ) POISONS :I* HAS ALREADY BE5 BREA!D BY  MULTITUDES ( O!R LUNGS1 :AT A/ONI%ES US & GLADD5S US MO/ :5 WE W&] AB\T !SE HI< PEAKS IS  ! M>VEL\S PURITY ( ! AIR4 ,WE BREA! ) DELI<T1 WE DR9K 9 ! BREEZE BL[+ >\ND US1 WE ALL[  \RSELVES TO BECOME 9TOXICAT$ ) IT4 ,= US IT IS !  AMBROSIA TALK$ ( BY ANCI5T MY?OLOGIES4 ,F>1 F>  AWAY AT \R FEET 9 ! PLA9 LIES EXT5D$ A FOGGY1  D+Y SPOT :]EON \R EYES CAN DISC]N NO?+4 ,IT IS  ! GREAT CITY4 ,& WE ?9K ) DISGU/ ( ! YE>S  DUR+ :I* WE HAVE BE5 OBLIG$ TO LIVE B5EA? ?AT  %EET ( SMOKE1 DU/1 & IMPURE BREA?4  

,:AT A CONTRA/ BETWE5 ?AT VIEW ( ! PLA9S &  ! ASPECT ( ! M\NTA9 :5 ! SUMMIT IS FREE FROM  MI/ & WE CAN CONTEMPLATE IT FROM AF>1 BEYOND !  HEAVY ATMOSPH]E WEI<+ UPON ! L[] REGIONS 6 ,!  SI<T IS BEAUTIFUL1 ESPECIALLY :5 ! RA9 HAS CAUS$  ! FLOAT+ P>TICLES ( DU/ TO FALL TO ! GR\ND &  ! AIR HAS1 SO TO SAY1 GR[N Y\NG AGA94 ,! \TL9E  ( ! ROCKS & SN[ /&S \T CLE>LY FROM ! BLUE  ( ! SKY 2 DESPITE ! 5ORM\S DI/ANCE1 ! M\NTA91  BLUE ITSELF AS ! A]IAL DEP?S1 IS PORTRAY$ %>PLY  AGA9/ ! SKY1 ) ALL ITS RELIEFS ( RIDGES & PEAKS 2 WE CAN DI/+UI% ! DALES1 RAV9ES1 PRECIPICES 2 SOMETIMES EV5 9 A BLACK SPECK MOV+ SL[LY OV] ! SN[  WE CAN1 ) ! AID ( A TELESCOPE1 RECOGNIZE A FRI5D  CLIMB+ TIP ! PEAK4 ,( AN EV5+ AFT] ! SUN HAS  GONE TO RE/1 ! PYRAMID DISPLAYS ITSELF AT ONCE 9 ALL !  PURITY & SPL5DOR ( ITS BEAUTY4 ,! RE/ ( ! WORLD  LIES 9 %AD[1 GRAY TWILI<T VEILS ! HORIZON ( !  PLA9S2 ! 5TRANCE TO ! VALLEYS HAS ALREADY BECOME  BLACK5$ BY NI<T4 ,BUT YOND]1 UP ABOVE1 ALL IS LI<T  & JOY\SNESS4 ,! SN[1 :I* /ILL FACES ! SUN1 REFLECTS ITS ROSY RAYS 2 IT GLI/5S1 & !IR BRI<TNESS APPE>S ALL ! MORE VIVID ?AT ! %AD[1 :I* IS SL[LY  RIS+1 SUCCESSIVELY TAKES POSSESSION ( ! SLOPES & COV]S !M AS IF ) SOME BLACK MAT]IAL4 ,F9ALLY1 !  PEAK ALONE IS HI< 5\< TO P]CEIVE ! SUN BEYOND !  B5D ( ! E>?3 IT IS ILLUM9AT$ AS IF IT W]E A SP>K 2  IT MI<T BE TAK5 = ONE ( ?OSE HUGE DIAMONDS :I*1  ACCORD+ TO ! ,H9DU LEG5DS1 FLA%$ AT ! SUMMIT  ( ! DIV9E M\NTA9S4 ,BUT SUDD5LY ! FLAME HAS  DISAPPE>$1 IT HAS VANI%$ 9TO SPACE4 ,YET WE DO NOT  CEASE TO LOOK 2 ! SUN'S REFLECTION IS SUCCE$$ BY !  EMPURPL$ MI/S ON ! HORIZON4 ,! M\NTA9 BECOMES  ILLUM9AT$ ONCE MORE1 BUT ) A S(T] BRILLIANCY4 ,!  H>D ROCK NO LONG] APPE>S TO EXI/ B5EA? ITS APP>EL  ( RAYS 2 ONLY A MIRAGE REMA9S1 AN A]IAL LI<T 2 WE MI<T  IMAG9E ! SPL5DID M\NTA9 TO HAVE BE5 DETA*$  FROM ! E>? & TO BE FLOAT+ 9 ! PURE SKIES4  

,?US ! R>ITY ( ! AIR 9 ! UPP] REGIONS CONTRIBUTES TO ! BEAUTY ( ! PEAKS BY PREV5T+ !  IMPURITIES ( ! L[] ATMOSPH]E REA*+ ! SUMMITS 2 BUT IT ALSO COMPELS ! 9VISIBLE VAPORS RIS+ FROM  ! SEA & PLA9S TO BECOME COND5S$ & TO ATTA* !MSELVES TO ! CL\DS1 TO ! SIDES ( ! M\NTA94  ,ORD9>ILY ! VAPORIZ$ WAT]1 SUSP5D$ 9 ! L[]  ZONES ( ! AIR1 IS NOT F\ND 9 SUFFICI5TLY L>GE QUANTITIES IMM$IATELY TO *ANGE 9TO CL\DLETS & FALL D[N  AGA9 AS RA9 2 ! ATMOSPH]E 9 :I* IT FLOATS PRES]VES  IT 9 A /ATE ( 9VISIBLE GAS4 ,BUT ! LAY] ( AIR ASC5D+ TO ! SKY1 C>RY+ AWAY ITS VAPORS1 WILL GRADUALLY  BECOME COLD]1 & ITS WAT]1 COND5S$ 9TO DI/9CT MOLECULES1 WILL SOON REVEAL ITSELF4 ,IT IS FIR/ AN ALMO/ IMP]CEPTIBLE CL\DLET1 A :ITE FLAKE 9 ! BLUE SKY 2 BUT O!R  FLAKES >E ADD$ TO ?IS ONE 3 N[ IT IS A VEIL ?R\<  :OSE R5TS \R GLANCES CAN PI]CE 9TO ! DEP?S (  SPACE 2 AT LA/ IT BECOMES A D5SE MASS1 /RET*+ ITSELF  \T AS CURTA9S1 OR PIL+ ITSELF UP 9TO PYRAMIDS4 ,!SE  >E ! CL\DS :I* RISE UPON ! HORIZON 9 ! =M  ( REAL M\NTA9S4 ,!IR CRE/S & DOMES1 !IR SN[1  !IR RESPL5D5T ICE1 !IR %AD[Y RAV9ES1 !IR PRECIPICES ! :OLE PICTURE IS DISPLAY$ ) P]FECT PRECISION4 ,ONLY ! VAPOR M\NTA9S >E FLOAT+ & FUGITIVE 2 ONE CURR5T ( AIR HAS =M$1 ANO!R CURR5T CAN  R5D & DISSOLVE1 !M4 ,!IR DURATION IS H>DLY ONE  ( H\RS1 :ILE ?AT ( M\NTA9S ( /ONES LA/S = MILLIONS ( YE>S 2 BUT IS ! DIFF]5CE 9 REALITY SO GREAT 8  ,RELATIVELY TO ! WORLD'S EXI/5CE1 CL\DS & M\NTA9S  >E EQUALLY ! PH5OM5A ( A DAY4 ,M9UTES & C5TURIES BECOME CONF\ND$1 :5 !Y >E +ULF$ 9 !  ABYSS ( TIME4  

,CL\DS >E P>TICUL>LY FOND ( GA!R+ R\ND !  ROCKS :I* RISE UP 9 ! OP5 SKY4 ,!Y >E ATTRACT$ TO ! /ONE BY AN ELECTRICITY ! V]Y OPPOSITE (  !IR [N 2 ! /ORMS PURSU$ 9TO SPACE BY ! W9D1  DA% UP AGA9/ ! SIDES ( M\NTA9S1 GREAT B>RI]S PLAC$ A?W>T !IR C\RSE4 ,O!RS1 AGA91 9VISIBLE 9  ! TEPID AIR1 DO NOT REVEAL !MSELVES UNTIL !Y COME  9 CONTACT ) ! COLD /ONES OR SN[ 2 IT IS ! M\NTA9 ?AT COND5SES ! VAPORS & DRIVES !M \T (  ! AIR1 SO TO SAY4 ,H[ MANY TIMES1 :ILE CONTEMPLAT+ ! PEAK OR SOME PROM95T CLIFF1 HAVE ,I SE5 !  D[N ( GR[+ CL\DS ACCUMULATE >\ND ! FROZ5  PO9T6 ,SMOKE >ISES SIMIL> TO ?AT :I* ASC5DS FROM  A CRAT]2 SOON EV]Y PEAK IS 5VELOP$ 9 IT1 & !  M\NTA9 5DS BY BE+ 5CIRCL$ ) A TURBAN (  CL\DS :I* IT HAS WOV5 = ITSELF 9 ! TRANSP>5T  ATMOSPH]E4 ,9VISIBLE H&S1 IT SEEMS1 WORK AT ! =MATION ( /ORMS & ! D[NFALL ( RA94 ,:5 !  D5IZ5S ( PLA9S SEE ! M\NTA9 DISAPPE> 9 A MASS  ( CL\DS1 !Y UND]/&1 FROM ! MANN] 9 :I*  ! GIANT DECKS HIS HEAD1 :AT SORT ( FE/IVAL HE IS PREP>+ = !M4 ,:5 TWO BLA/S ( AIR *ANCE TO  MEET AT ?IS PO9T1 ! ONE SCOR*+1 ! O!R COLD1 !  CL\D ?US =M$ SUDD5LY RAISES ITSELF UP & :IRLS  R\ND 9 ! SKY3 ! M\NTA9 IS A VOLCANO1 & !  VAPOR ESCAPES FROM IT 9CESSANTLY1 AS IF 9 FURY1 TO GO &  COIL ITSELF UP AGA9 F> AWAY 9 ! SKY 9 AN IMM5SE  CURVE4  

,DETA*$ CL\DS SCATT] !MSELVES FREELY 9 ! SKY 2  !Y MEET AGA91 COMB OR RAVEL !MSELVES \T 9 !  W9D1 EXT5D OR FLY AWAY1 & ASC5D UNTIL !Y REA*  ! UPP] ATMOSPH]E1 F> AWAY ABOVE ! HI<E/ PEAKS  ( ! WORLD4 ,! DIV]SITY ( !IR =MS IS MU*  GREAT] ?AN ?AT ( ?OSE CL\DS :I* 5CIRCLE !  SUMMITS ( ! M\NTA94 ,NEV]!LESS1 !SE1 TOO1 PRES5T AN EQUALLY S+UL> MOBILITY ( APPE>ANCE4 ,AT  ONE TIME !Y >E ISOLAT$ CL\DS1 DISPLAC$ BY GREAT PAT*ES ( COLD AIR 2 !N !Y MAY BE SE5 W9D+ LIKE  A S]P5T1 AS !Y CREEP ?R\< ! RAV9ES OR PURSUE  !IR C\RSE ALONG ! RIDGES1 HANG+ LIKE FR+ES ON  ! %>P ROCKS4 ,AT ANO!R TIME !Y >E GREAT %AD[S CONCEAL+ ! :OLE ( A M\NTA9 SLOPE AT ONCE 2  ?R\< !IR D5SE MASS1 :I* 9CREASES OR DIM9I%ES1  MOVES AWAY OR IS TORN UP1 WE CAN FROM TIME TO TIME DI/+UI% ! WELL-KN[N PEAK1 ALL ! MORE SUP]B 9  APPE>ANCE1 9 PROPORTION AS IT SEEMS TO LIVE & MOVE  AMONG ! REVOLV+ VAPORS4 ,AT O!R TIMES ! A]IAL  LAY]S1 SUP]POS$ & ( DIFF]5T TEMP]ATURE1 >E AS  P]FECTLY HORIZONTAL & DI/9CT AS GEOLOGICAL /RATA 2  ! CL\DS :I* WE SEE SPR+ UP !RE >E ( AN ANALOG\S =M2 !Y >E DISPOS$ 9 REGUL> & P>ALLEL  BELTS1 H]E HID+ =E/S1 !RE PA/URES1 SN[ & ROCKS1  OR SEMI -VEIL+ !M AS IF ) A TRANSP>5T SC>F4  ,SOMETIMES AGA9 ! PEAKS1 ! HI<] SLOPES1 ! :OLE  ( ! L(TY M\NTA9 IS LO/ 9 ! HEAVY MASS (  CL\DS1 AS IF IT W]E A GRAY OR BLACK SKY ?AT IS L[]$  TO ! E>? 2 ! M\NTA9 RETREATS OR APPROA*ES US1  ACCORD+ TO ! PLAY ( ! VAPORS AS !Y DIM9I% OR  BECOME 9T5SIFI$4 ,SUDD5LY ALL DISAPPE>S FROM BASE  TO SUMMIT 2 ! M\NTA9 IS 5TIRELY LO/ 9 ! FOG 2  !N ! /ORM COMES D[N FROM ! PEAKS1 IT LA%ES !  SEA ( HEAVY VAPORS1 & WE SEE ! GIANT APPE> ONCE  MORE1 0GLOOMY1 SORR[FUL1 AMID ! ET]NAL FLI<T ( !  CL\DS40  

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,W,E F9D \RSELVES 9 A NEW WORLD1 BO? FANTA/IC &  =MIDABLE1 :5 WE W&] AB\T ! M\NTA9 9 !  MID/ ( A MI/4 ,EV5 :5 FOLL[+ A WELL-WORN  FOOT-TRACK UPON EASY SLOPES1 WE FEEL A C]TA9 DREAD ON  BEHOLD+ ! SURR\ND+ =MS1 :OSE UNC]TA9 \TL9ES SEEM TO OSCILLATE 9 ! FOG1 :I* ONE MOM5T  GR[S D5SE & ! NEXT BECOMES A LITTLE LI<T]4  

,IT IS NECESS>Y TO KN[ NATURE V]Y WELL NOT TO FEEL  AT ALL UNEASY :5 WE F9D \RSELVES TAK5 CAPTIVE BY A  FOG 2 ! LEA/ OBJECT ASSUMES IMM5SE1 9F9ITE PROPORTIONS4 ,SOME?+ VAGUE & BLACK APPE>S TO BE ADVANC+ UPON US AS IF TO SEIZE US4 ,IS IT A BRAN* OR EV5 A  TREE 8 ,IT IS BUT A TUFT ( GRASS4 ,A CIRCLE ( ROPES B>S  Y\R WAY 2 IT IS A SIMPLE SPID]'S WEB 6 ,ONE DAY :5  ! FOG WAS NOT QUITE SO D5SE & ! SUN'S RAYS1 TRANSMITT$ ?R\< ! MI/S1 %$ AN 9DI/9CT LI<T1 ,I  /OPP$1 TILL$ ) AMAZEM5T & ADMIRATION1 ON BEHOLD+ A GIGANTIC TREE TWI/+ ITS >MS AB\T LIKE AN  A?LETE AT ! SUMMIT ( A PEAK4 ,NEV] HAD ,I HAD !  GOOD-=TUNE TO SEE A /RONG] TREE OR ONE BETT] SITUAT$ = DO+ H]OIC BATTLE ) ! TEMPE/4 ,I CONTEMPLAT$ IT = A LONG TIME2 BUT BY DEGREES ,I SAW IT  APP>5TLY APPROA*+ ME1 & AT ! SAME TIME BECOM+ SMALL]4 ,:5 ! TRIUMPHANT SUN HAD DISP]S$ ! MI/1 ! SUP]B TRUNK PROV$ TO BE NO?+  BUT A POOR LITTLE TREE1 GR[+ 9 ! FISSURE ( A NEI<BOR+ ROCK4  

,! TRAVEL] :O IS LO/1 HAS GONE A/RAY 9 ! FOG1  AMID PRECIPICES & TORR5TS1 F9DS HIMSELF 9 A TRULY  T]RIBLE POSITION 3 DANG] OR DEA? MEETS HIM ON EV]Y  SIDE4 ,HE MU/ WALK1 & WALK QUICKLY1 9 ORD] AS FA/  AS POSSIBLE TO REA* ! LEVEL GR\ND ( ! VALLEY OR  ! G5TLE SLOPES ( ! PA/URES1 & F9D SOME SAFETYBR++ FOOTPA? 2 BUT1 9 ! UNC]TA9 LI<T1 NO?+  S]VES AS A GUIDE1 & EV]Y?+ APPE>S TO BE AN OB/ACLE4 ,ON ONE SIDE ! GR\ND REC$ES2 HE IMAG9ES  HIMSELF TO BE ON ! $GE ( A PRECIPICE4 ,ON ! O!R  A ROCK RISES UP1 ITS WALLS APPE> TO BE 9ACCESSIBLE4 ,9  ORD] TO AVOID ! ABYSS1 HE TRIES TO SCALE ! ABRUPT  SIDES ( ! ROCK 2 HE PLACES HIS FOOT UPON SOME UNEV5  PORTION ( ! /ONE & JUMPS FROM PO9T TO PO9T 2  SOON HE SEEMS TO BE SUSP5D$ 9 MID -AIR BETWE5  HEAV5 & E>?4 ,AT LA/ HE REA*ES ! RIDGE1 BUT BEH9D ! FIR/ CRAG1 SEE1 ANO!R RISES UP ) UNDECID$  & %IFT+ \TL9ES4 ,! TREES1 ! %RUBS1 GR[+  UPON ! ESC>PM5TS1 D>T !IR BRAN*ES \T 9TO !  MI/ 9 A M5AC+ FA%ION 2 4SOMETIMES EV5 NO?+  CAN BE SE5 BUT A BLACK MASS W9D+ ITS S]P5T-LIKE  WAY 9 ! GRAY %AD[ 3 IT IS A BRAN* :OSE TRUNK REMA9S 9VISIBLE4 ,! W&]]'S FACE IS DRIPP+ )  F9E RA9 2 ! TUFTS ( GRASS1 ! HEA!R1 >E SO MANY  RES]VOIRS ( FROZ5 WAT]1 9 :I* HE GETS QUITE 4AS WET  AS IF HE W]E CROSS+ ?R\< A LAKE4 ,HIS LIMBS BECOME /IFF1 HIS /EPS UNC]TA9 2 HE RUNS ! RISK ( SLIPP+ UPON ! GRASS OR DAMP ROCK1 & ( ROLL+ (F ! PRECIPICE4 ,T]RIBLE NOISES ASC5D FROM BEL[ &  SEETN TO =ETELL A FATAL 5D 2 HE HE>S ! FALL ( /ONES  ROIL+ D[N1 ( RA9-LAD5 BRAN*ES CREAK+ ON !IR  /EMS1 ! DULL ?UND] ( ! CASCADE & ! SOLEMN  BREAK+ ( ! WAVES UPON ! %ORES ( ! LAKE4  ,) HORROR HE SEES ! FOG BECOME *>G$ ) !  D>KNESS ( TWILI<T1 & HE ?9KS ( ! T]RIBLE ALT]NATIVE ( DEA? BY ! UPROOT+ ( ROCKS OR BY BE+  FROZ5 9 ! COLD4  

,9 MANY CLIMATES1 ! IMPRESSION ( A/ONI%M5T1  EV5 ( HORROR1 :I* ! M\NTA9S LEAVE UPON \R  M9DS IS [+ TO ! FACT ( !IR BE+ P]PETUALLY  SURR\ND$ ) MI/4 ,SU* A M\NTA9 9 ,SCOTL&  OR ,NORWAY APPE>S =MIDABLE1 :]EAS 9 REALITY IT IS  MU* LESS HI< ?AN MANY O!R PEAKS 9 ! WORLD4  ,WE HAVE (T5 SE5 !M VEIL$ 9 VAPORS1 !N P>TIALLY REVEAL$ & HIDD5 ONCE MORE1 TRAVEL+1 SO TO SAY1  9TO ! C5T] ( ! SKY1 APPE>+ TO RETREAT ?AT !Y  MAY SUDD5LY APPROA* US AGA9 2 GR[+ L[] :5  ! SUN CLE>LY LI<TS UP !IR \TL9ES1 !N1 AGA91 9CREAS+ :5 !Y BECOME FR+$ ) MI/S4 ,ALL  !SE *ANG+ ASPECTS1 !SE SL[ OR RAPID TRANS=MATIONS1 ( ! M\NTA9 MAKE IT VAGUELY RESEMBLE A PRODIGI\S GIANT WAV+ HIS HEAD ABOVE ! CL\DS4 ,V]Y  DIFF]5T FROM ! IMMOVABLE SUMMITS1 ) !IR REGUL>  \TL9ES1 :I* >E BA!D 9 ! PURE LI<T ( ,EGYPT'S  SKY >E ?OSE M\NTA9S SUNG BY ! POET ,OSSIAN 3 !Y  LOOK AT Y\ 2 !Y SOMETIMES SMILE1 SOMETIMES FR[N1 BUT  !Y LIVE 9 Y\R LIFE1 !Y FEEL ) Y\ 2 AT LEA/ SO WE  BELIEVE1 & ! POET :O S+S !M 9VE/S !M )  A HUMAN S\L4  

,BEAUTIFUL ON ACC\NT ( ! VAPORS 5CIRCL+ IT1 :5 SE5 FROM BEL[ ?R\< A 'PURE ATMOSPH]E1 ! M\NTA9 IS NOT ! LESS SO = HIM :O CONTEMPLATES IT FROM  ABOVE1 ESPECIALLY ( A MORN+ :5 ! PEAK ITSELF IS  PLUNG$ 9TO ! SKY1 & ITS BASE IS SURR\ND$ BY A SEA  ( CL\DS4 ,IT IS1 9DE$1 A V]ITABLE OCEAN :I* EXT5DS  ON EV]Y SIDE AS F> AS WE CAN SEE4 ,! :ITE BILL[S  ( MI/ ROLL AWAY UPON ! SURFACE ( !SE WAT]S1 NOT  ) ! REGUL>ITY ( LIQUID WAVES1 BUT 9 A MAJE/IC  DISORD] 9 :I* \R GAZE LOSES ITSELF4 ,H]E WE SEE  !M PUFF$ \T1 SWOLL5 9TO T[]S ( SMOKE1 !N DISP]SE 9 SN[-LIKE FLAKES1 DISAPPE>+ 9TO SPACE4 ,YOND]1 ON ! CONTR>Y1 !Y >E HOLL[$ \T 9TO VALLEYS  FILL$ ) %AD[S4 ,9 O!R P>TS IT IS ONE CONT9U$  EVOLUTION1 A MOVEM5T ( WAVES PURSU+ & C>RY+  ONE ANO!R AWAY 9 CURI\SLY CONTORT$ R+S4 ,SOMETIMES ! %EET ( VAPORS IS TOL]ABLY SMOO? 2 ! LEVEL  ( ! WAVES ( MI/ REMA9S AT AN ALMO/ UNI=M ELEVATION ALL R\ND ! CIRCUMF]5CE ( ! ROCKS :I*  JUT \T 9 PO9TS2 9 MANY PLACES ! SUMMITS ( ISOLAT$ LITTLE HILLS RISE UP ABOVE ! FOG LIKE ISL&S OR  REEFS4 ,AT O!R TIMES ! DUSKY OCEAN DIVIDES ITSELF  9TO DI/9CT SEAS1 H]E & !RE ALL[+ ! BOTTOMS  ( ! VALLEYS TO BE SE51 LIKE A L[] WORLD POSSESS+  NONE ( ! S(T S]5ITY ( ! PEAKS4 ,! SUN OBLIQUELY LI<TS UP ALL ! VOLUTES ( MI/ SO>+ ABOVE  ! GREAT SEA1 ! ROSEATE1 PURPLE1 GOLD5 T9TS1 M+L$  ) ! PURE :ITE1 IMP>T 9F9ITE V>IETY TO ! ASPECT  ( ! FLOAT+ EXPANSE4 ,! %AD[ ( ! M\NTA9S  IS PROJECT$ F> AWAY UPON ! VAPORS1 & *ANGES 9CESSANTLY ) ! C\RSE ( ! SUN4 ,9 A/ONI%M5T  ! SPECTATOR BEHOLDS HIS [N %AD[ REPRODUC$ UPON  ! %EET ( VAPOR1 & SOMETIMES ) A GIANT'S PROPORTIONS4 ,HE MI<T BELIEVE ?AT HE SAW A SPECTRAL MON/]1 :I* HE CAUSES TO MOVE AT HIS WILL1 AS HE H5DS1  WALKS1 /IRS HIS >MS4  

,C]TA9 M\NTA9S RIS+ FROM ! BOSOM ( ! ,BLUE  ,SEA ( ! TRADE-W9DS >E ALMO/ ALWAYS 5CIRCL$ HALFWAY UP BY A ROBE ( MI/1 :I* ALMO/ 9V>IABLY CONCEALS ! PICTURE ( ! GREAT AZURE PLA9 FROM ! TRAVEL] :O HAS REA*$ ! PEAK 2 BUT >\ND ! SUMMIT1  ON :OSE PA/URES ,I AM W&]+1 ! %EETS ( VAPOR  RISE & DESC5D1 *ANGE & MELT AWAY1 AS IF BY *ANCE 2  !Y >E PH5OM5A :I* POSSESS NO P]MAN5T PECULI>ITIES4 ,AFT] H\RS OR DAYS ( OBSCURITY1 ! SUN 5DS  9 PI]C+ ! MASS ( FOG1 R5DS IT ASUND]1 SCATT]S IT  9 FRAGM5TS1 VAPORIZES !M 9 ! AIR1 & SOON !  E>? B5EA?1 :I* F\ND ITSELF DEPRIV$ ( ! S(T  RADIANCE1 BECOMES ILLUM9AT$ AFRE% BY ! QUICK5+  LI<T4 ,BUT IT ALSO HAPP5S ?AT ! FOGS BECOME D5S]1  GA!R 9 ?ICK & :IRL+ CL\DS4 ,!SE ATTRACT1 !N  REPEL ONE ANO!R2 ELECTRICITY ACCUMULATES 9 ! 9CREAS+ VAPORS 2 A /ORM BUR/S1 & ! L[] WORLD IS  LO/ B5EA? ! TUMULT ( ! TEMPE/4  

,ONCE LET LOOSE1 ! /ORM DOES NOT ALWAYS RISE TO !  TOP ( ! HEI<TS :I* COMM& IT 2 IT FREQU5TLY REMA9S 9 ! L[] ZONES ( ! ATMOSPH]E :]E9 IT  >ISES1 & ! SPECTATOR1 SEAT$ TRANQUILLY UPON ! DRY  TURF ( ! UPP]1 ILLUM9AT$ PA/URES1 CAN SEE ! HO/ILE CL\DS COME 9TO COLLISION1 & DR[N EV]Y?+ 9  FURY4 ,IT IS BO? A MAGNIFIC5T & T]RIBLE SC5E4 ,LURID  LI<T ESCAPES FROM !SE SEE?+ MASSES 2 COPP]-COLOR$  REFLECTIONS1 VIOLET T9TS1 IMP>T TO ! HEAP$-UP VAPORS  ! APPE>ANCE ( AN IMM5SE FURNACE ( FUS+ METAL 2  ! E>? MI<T HAVE OP5$1 ALL[+ AN OCEAN ( LAVA TO /REAM \T ( ITS BOSOM4 ,! LI<TN+ FLA%+ FROM  CL\D TO CL\D1 9 ! DEP?S ( *AOS1 VIBRATES LIKE S]P5TS ( FIRE4 ,! R5D+ ( ! AIR1 REV]B]AT$ BY  ! M\NTA9'S E*OES1 IS PROLONG$ 9 5DLESS RUMBL+S2  EV]Y ROCK SEEMS SIMULTANE\SLY TO S5D =? ITS ?UND]4 ,AT ! SAME TIME1 WE HE> A DULL S\ND1 ASC5D+  FROM ! L[] C\NTRY ?R\< ! :IRL+ CL\DS4  ,IT IS ! D[NP\R ( RA9 OR HAIL 2 IT IS ! NOISE (  TREES CRA%+1 ( ROCKS SPLITT+1 ( AVALAN*ES ( /ONES  ROLL+ D[N1 ( TORR5TS SWELL+ & RO>+1 AS !Y  DE/ROY !IR BANKS 2 BUT ALL !SE V>I\S NOISES BECOME  CONFUS$ AS !Y ASC5D T[>DS ! S]5E CALM M\NTA94 ,!RE !Y >E BUT A PLA9T1 A SI<1 RIS+ FROM  ! PLA9 :]E9 MAN DWELLS4  

,ONE DAY1 :5 SITT+ UPON A TRANQUIL PEAK1 9 !  QUIET ( ! SKIES1 ,I SAW A /ORM CONTORT ITSELF 9 FURY AT  ! FOOT ( ! M\NTA9 2 ,I C\LD NOT RESI/ ?AT SUMMONS :I* SEEM$ TO REA* ME FROM ! WORLD ( HUMANK9D4 ,I DESC5D$ TO BURY MYSELF 9 ! BLACK MASS  ( REVOLV+ VAPORS 2 ,I PLUNG$1 SO TO SAY1 9TO ! MID/  ( ! ?UND]1 B5EA? A %EET ( LI<TN+ 9 ! TURBUL5CE ( ! RA9 & HAIL4 ,DESC5D+ BY A FOOTPA?  TRANS=M$ 9TO A RIVULET1 ,I LEAP$ FROM /ONE TO /ONE4  ,EXCIT$ BY ! FURY ( ! ELEM5TS1 BY ! BUR/+ (  ! ?UND]-CLAPS1 BY ! RU%+ ( ! WAT]S1 ! RO>  ( %AK5 TREES1 ,I RAN ALONG 9 FR5ZI$ DELI<T4 ,:5  ,I REA*$ ! CAB9 9 :I* ,I F\ND A FIRE1 BREAD1 DRY  CLO!S1 ALL ! SWEETS ( ! M\NTA9E]'S K9DLY HOSPITALITY1 ,I ALMO/ REGRETT$ ! /IRR+ EC/ASY :I* ,I  HAD SO LATELY 5JOY$ \TSIDE4 ,I FELT ?AT UP ABOVE1 9  ! W9D & RA91 ,I HAD TAK5 P>T 9 ! TEMPE/1 &  ?AT = A FEW H\RS MY CONSCI\S 9DIVIDUALITY HAD BE5  MIX$ UP ) ! BL9D ELEM5TS4  

,*,A,P,T,] ,X4  ,S,N,[4  

0,:,I,T,E1 DAZZL+1 SN[Y10 SU* IS ALMO/ ALWAYS !  ORIG9AL MEAN+ ( ALL ! NAMES GIV5 TO ! HI<  M\NTA9S BY ! PEOPLE :O HAVE SUCCE$$ ONE ANO!R  AT !IR BASE4 ,:5 RAIS+ !IR EYES TO ! SUMMITS1  !Y P]CEIVE1 ABOVE ! CL\DS1 ! SP>KL+ :IT5ESS  ( SN[ & ICE 2 & !IR ADMIRATION IS ALL ! GREAT]  ?AT ! L[] C\NTRIES1 ) ! UNI=M BR[N T9T  ( !IR SOIL1 PRES5T SO /RIK+ A CONTRA/ TO ! :ITE  PEAKS4 ,IT IS ESPECIALLY 9 SUMM]1 :5 ! SCOR*+  DU/ RISES FROM ! ROADS1 & ! TIR$ TRAVEL]S /OP  B5EA? ! %ADE1 ?AT !Y LOVE TO C>RY !IR GAZE UP  TO ! FROZ5 MASSES1 RESPL5D5T AS SLABS ( SILV] 9 !  SOL> RAYS4 ,AT NI<T A S(T REFLECTION1 LIKE ?AT ( A DI/ANT WORLD1 REVEALS ! SN[ LY+ HI< UPON ! M\NTA94  

,! MIDDLE SLOPES1 ! L[] PO9TS1 >E FREQU5TLY  COV]$ ) B$S ( SN[4 ,EV5 T[>DS ! 5D (  SUMM]1 :5 ! TORR5TS HAVE C>RI$ AWAY 9TO !  PLA9S ! MELT$ WAT] ( ! AVALAN*ES1 _*VH5 !  TREES HAVE %AK5 OIL ! BURD5 ( :IT5ESS :I* HAD  B[$ D[N !IR BRAN*ES1 & EV5 ! L[LY MOSSES1  :ILE W>M+ ! SURR\ND+ P>TS1 HAVE FRE$ !MSELVES FROM ! FLAKES 5VELOP+ !M1 A SUDD5 *ILL+ ( ! ATMOSPH]E TRANS=MS ! M\NTA9'S VAPORS 9TO  CRY/ALS4 ,ON ! PREC$+ EV5+ ALL ! L[] *A9S  ( ! M\NTA9S & ! ALP9E PA/URES HAD BE5 P]FECTLY FREE FROM HO>-FRO/ 2 ! BR[N OR YELL[ COLOR (  ! B>E ROCKS1 ! GRE5 ( ! =E/S & GRASS1 !  PURPLE ( ! HEA!R1 W]E ALL DI/9CTLY VISIBLE4  

,9 ! MORN+1 ON AWAK+1 ! :ITE ROBE ( SN[  HAD COV]$ EV]Y?+1 D[N TO ! F>!/ PO9TS4  ,YET ?IS G>M5T ( SN[1 ?IS :ITE MANTLE ( :I*  ! POETS TALK1 IS PI]C$1 R5T 9 A ?\S& PLACES4 ,!  PEAKS ( ! M\NTA9 EM]GE FROM ?IS WRAP1 & !  SOMB] %AD[S ( ! ROCKS1 CONTRA/+ ) ! :IT5ESS1 ?R[ 9TO RELIEF ! DESIGN ( ! ESC>PM5TS  ) ALL ! GREAT] DI/9CTNESS4 ,! FLAKES HAVE ACCUMULAT$ 9 ?ICK DRIFTS 9 ! DEEP RAV9ES 2 ON ! SUDD5 SLOPES !Y HAVE LI<TLY BROID]$ ! FISSURES1 LIKE  A DELICATE LACE VEIL2 ON ! ABRUPT DECLIVITIES !Y ONLY  %[ !MSELVES H]E & !RE 9 BRILLIANT SPOTS4 ,EV]Y  DIP 9 ! M\NTA9 IS M>K$ \T FROM AF> 9 ITS TRUE  =M BY ! BRILLIANT MOLD ( SN[ :I* FILLS IT2 EV]Y  JUTT+ ROCK REVEALS ITS PROTUB]ANCE & IRREGUL>ITIES  ( SURFACE BY ! SN[Y C\*ES ( V>I\S DEP?S1 ALT]NAT+ ) ! NAK$NESS ( ! ROCK4 ,:]E ! LATT] IS =M$ ( REGUL> /RATA1 ! SN[ DRAWS ! L9ES  ( DIVISION 9 ! NEATE/ POSSIBLE MANN]4 ,IT RE/S UPON  ! CORNICES & DETA*ES ITSELF FROM ! SIDES ( !  L&SLIPS4 ,ACROSS EV]Y ACCID5T ( ! GR\ND1 :E!R  PROTRUD+ OR REC$+1 WE SEE ! L9ES ( /RATA CONT9U$ ) SURPRIS+ REGUL>ITY OV] AN EXT5T ( SEV]AL  MILES 2 !Y LOOK LIKE T]RACES SUP]POS$ BY ! H& (  SOME GIANT >*ITECT4  

,ALL ! SAME1 ?IS TRANSI5T SUMM] SN[1 5VELOP+ ! M\NTA9 LIKE A VEIL1 & :I*1 F> FROM CONCEAL+  ITS =M1 ON ! CONTR>Y REVEALS IT 9 ITS SMALLE/ DETAILS1  IS1 SO TO SAY1 ! COQUETRY ( NATURE4 ,IT SOON DISAPPE>S  FROM ! L[] HILLS & NE>E/ M\NTA9S2 EA* DAY  ! SUN'S RAYS =CE ! LIMITS TO RISE A LITTLE HI<] T[>DS ! SUMMITS 2 9 F9E WEA!R EV5 \R GLANCES CAN  FROM H\R TO H\R FOLL[ ! PROGRESS ( ! DISSOLUTION4  ,EA* RAV9E1 HALF-WAY UP1 9T]SECT+ ! SIDES ( !  M\NTA9S1 PRES5TS ONE SLOPE UPON :I* ! MIDDAY  SUN FREELY %9ES1 ALREADY DIVE/$ ( ! SN[1 & ANO!R ( DAZZL+ :IT5ESS1 :I* IS TURN$ T[>DS !  HORIZON ( ! NOR?4 ,!N1 9 TIME1 ?AT DECLIVITY ALSO  FREES ITS TURF & PA/URES 2 NO?+ MORE REMA9S ( !  SUMM] FALL ( SN[1 BUT A SMALL NUMB] ( POOLS GRADUALLY CONTRACT+1 & ( TRACES ( ! M9IATURE AVALAN*ES :I* FILL$ ! CREVICES ( ! GORGES4 ,!SE  PUDDLES MIX 9 AMONG ! E>? & B\LD]S1 & !  /REAMLET PASS+ BY C>RIES AWAY DROP BY DROP !  MUDDY DEBRIS4  

,?IS SN[1 LA/+ A FEW DAYS1 IS *>M+ TO BEHOLD4  ,WE LOVE TO FOLL[ ) \R GLANCE ! *ANG+ ORNAM5TATION2 9DE$1 IT H>DLY %[S ITSELF SAVE TO DISAPPE> IMM$IATELY4 ,9 ORD] TO CONTEMPLATE SN[ UND]  ITS TRUE ASPECT1 & TO UND]/& IT 9 ITS WORK AS ONE (  NATURE'S AG5TS1 WE %\LD SEE IT 9 W9T] DUR+ ! SEV]E COLD SEASON4 ,!N ALL IS COV]$ ) 5ORM\S  LAY]S ( WAT] CRY/ALLIZ$ 9TO SPIKES & FLAKES 2 !  M\NTA91 ITS L[] RIDGE1 & ! HILLS AT ITS BASE NO  LONG] DISPLAY !MSELVES 9 !IR TRUE =M4  

,! D5SE MASS CONCEAL+ !M OBLIT]ATES !IR DESIGN1 & IMP>TS NEW \TL9ES TO !M4 ,9 ! PLACE  ( PO9TS JUTT+ \T1 9D5TATIONS1 JAGG$ L9ES CUT 9 !IR \TL9ES1 ! M\NTA9'S SLOPES N[ SWEEP D[N 9  *>M+ UNDULATIONS1 9 BOLDLY DESIGN$ BUT YET S9U\S =M4 ,JU/ AS WAT]1 9 ACCORDANCE ) ! LAWS (  GRAVITY1 F9DS ITS LEVEL1 5ABL+ IT TO 'SPREAD \T ON A HORIZONTAL SURFACE1 SO DOES ! SN[1 OBEY+ ITS [N LAWS1  DEPOSIT ITSELF 9 LAY]S ON ! R\ND$ KNOLLS4 ,! W9D1  DRIV+ IT UP AS IT CIRCLES R\ND1 FIR/ OBLIGES IT TO FILL  UP ! HOLL[S1 !N S(T5 ALL ! ANGLES1 & SPREAD ITS  COV] OV] EV]Y CRAG 2 TO ! /]N1 RUGG$1 WILD M\NTA91 A SECOND HAS SUCCE$$1 ) CLE>1 S(T5$ \TL9ES  & MAJE/IC BR[4 ,BUT1 9 SPITE ( ! SUAVE S(TNESS  ( ITS L9ES1 ! GIANT IS NONE ! LESS =MIDABLE 9 APPE>ANCE4 ,ESC>PM5TS1 P]P5DICUL> ROCKS UPON :I*  ! SN[ CANNOT LIE1 RISE UP ABOVE IMM5SE SLOPES (  DAZZL+ :IT5ESS1 & BY CONTRA/ !IR WALLS APPE>  QUITE BLACK4 ,WE FEEL OV]COME ) AL>M AT ! SI<T  ( !SE PRODIGI\S WALLS /&+ \T ABOVE ! SN[  LIKE CLIFFS ( COAL ON ! %ORES ( A POL>"9 SEA4  

,BY ?IS TRANS=MATION ! PLA9S1 EV5 MORE ?AN !  PROTUB]ANCES ( ! M\NTA9S1 HAVE ALT]$ !IR ASPECT4 ,! SN[1 FALL+ ON EV]Y SIDE1 HAS FILL$ UP !  CAVITIES1 LEVEL$ ! HOLL[S1 CAUS$ ALL SLI<T] ACCID5TS  ( ! GR\ND TO DISAPPE>4 ,TORR5TS1 CASCADES1 HAVE  BE5 COV]$ UP 2 EV]Y?+ IS FROZ51 EV]Y?+ RE/S  B5EA? ! VA/ W9D+-%EET4 ,EV5 ! LAKES >E BURI$ 2 ! ICE ON !IR SURFACE BE>S 5ORM\S B$S (  SN[1 & FREQU5TLY IT BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE TO KN[  :]E ! BAS9S >E SITUAT$ 2 A FISSURE MAY P]MIT US  TO SEE ! SURFACE ( ! LAKE LY+ TRANQUIL1 BLACK1 VOID  ( ANY REFLECTIONS1 AT ! BOTTOM ( A GULF 3 IT LOOKS LIKE  A WELL1 A FA?OMLESS ABYSS4 

,BEL[ ! GREAT SUMMITS & UPP] AMPHI!AT]S1 :]E ! SN[ IS PIL$ UP 9 M\NDS HI< AS H\SES1  ! P9E =E/S /& \T H]E & !RE1 BUT ONLY ONE  HALF ( !M IS VISIBLE4 ,UPON EA* ( !IR EXT5D$  BRAN*ES ! TREES BE> AS HEAVY A LOAD AS !Y CAN SUPPORT )\T BREAK+ 2 ! CONFUSION ( B\<S TOGE!R  =MS >*ES UPON :I* ! ACCUMULATION ( SN[Y  CRY/ALS IS GR\P$ 9 UNEQUAL CUPOLAS 2 SOME REBELLI\S  TRUNKS ALONE ESCAPE FROM ! ICY PRISON1 & %OOT !IR  D>K-GRE51 ALMO/ BLACK1 >R[S 9TO ! FREE AIR1 EA*  ONE BE>+ AT ITS EXTREMITY A HEAVY LUMP ( SN[4  ,:5 ! W9D :I/LES ?R\< !SE /EMS1 FRAGM5TS  ( ! FROZ5 SN[ FALL D[N ) A METALLIC S\ND 2 A  G5]AL MOVEM5T ( VIBRATION /IRS ! HIDD5 =E/  & ! GLI/5+ RO( COV]+ IT 3 SOMETIMES A RUPTURE  TAKES PLACE1 AN AVALAN*E ROLLS D[N 9SIDE1 A GAP+  *ASM IS LEFT1 UNTIL A FRE% /ORM HAS MASK$ IT B5EA?  A BRIDGE ( SN[4 ,:AT W\LD BE ! FATE ( ! TRAVEL] :O HAD LO/ HIS WAY 9 ! W9T] 9 SU* A =E/  ONE ?R\< :I* HE C\LD WALK :]E HE LIK$ 9 !  SUMM]1 ALONG ! %ORT GRASS1 B5EA? ! %ADE ( !  MI<TY TREES 8 ,AT EA* /EP HE IS LIABLE TO TUMBLE 9TO  AN ABYSS1 TO BE SUFFOCAT$ B5EA? ! FALL5 SN[4  

,! VILLAGE H\SES 9 ! VALLEY BEL[ SEEM TO BE  MORE DIFFICULT TO DISC]N ?AN ! =E/S & CLUMPS (  TREES4 ,! RO(S1 5TIRELY COV]$ ) A B$ ( SN[1  B5EA? !M ! B5D+ WOODWORK1 BECOME MIX$ UP  ) ! SURR\ND+ FIELDS ( :IT5ESS 2 ONLY A DELICATE  BLUI% SMOKE REM9DS US ?AT B5EA? ?IS :ITE %R\D  M5 LIVE & WORK4 ,SOME WALLS1 A DI/ANT /EEPLE1 BREAK  ! MONOTONY ( ! VALLEY2 BESIDES1 9 ?AT P>T !  SN[ HAS BE5 MORE /ORM-DRIV5 ?AN :]E IT IS F>  FROM HUMAN HABITATIONS3 ! W9D1 :IRL+ R\ND ! DWELL+S1 HAS RAIS$ IT UP 9TO HILLOCKS & B>RICADES  ON ! ONE SIDE 2 ! O!R IT HAS SWEPT ALMO/ P]FECTLY  CLEAN4 ,A C]TA9 DISORD] 9 NATURE 9DICATES ! PROXIMITY ( MAN 2 BUT !RE1 AS ELSE:]E1 5DLESS PEACE PREVAILS 2 R>ELY DOES A S\ND COME TO DI/URB ! SIL5CE (  DEA? REIGN+ OV] M\NTA9 & VALLEY4  

,YET SOMETIMES IT IS NECESS>Y ?AT MAN & ! O!R  9HABITANTS ( ! M\NTA9S %\LD LEAVE !IR D5S &  DI/URB NATURE'S GREAT REPOSE4 ,ONLY ! M>MOT1 HIDD5  9 ITS HOLE UND] ! DEEP SN[1 CAN SLEEP AWAY ! LONG  MON?S ( W9T]1 &1 APP>5TLY 9 A DEAD /ATE1 AWAIT  SPR+'S COM+ TO RE/ORE FRE$OM TO ! BROOKS1 !  GRASS1 & FL[]S4 ,! *AMOIS1 LESS =TUNATE1 DRIV5  FROM ! L(TY HEI<TS BY ! SN[1 IS OBLIG$ TO W&]  9 ! NEI<BORHOOD ( =E/S1 SEEK+ REFUGE AMONG !  CR[D$ TREES1 CONSUM+ !IR B>K & LEAVES4 ,MAN1  ON HIS P>T1 MU/ LEAVE HIS HOME TO EX*ANGE SOME >TICLES ( PRODUCE1 BUY PROVISIONS1 FULFILL FAMILY OR FRI5DLY 5GAGEM5TS4 ,!N IT IS NECESS>Y TO SWEEP AWAY  M\NDS ( SN[ ACCUMULAT$ BE=E HIS DOOR1 & LABORI\SLY MAKE HIMSELF A PA?WAY4 ,ONCE1 FROM A *ALET  BUILT UPON A HI< PROMONTORY1 ,I SAW SOME ( !SE ALMO/  IMP]CEPTIBLE BE+S1 !SE BLACK HUMAN ANTS1 WALK+  SL[LY ALONG A SORT ( TRACK BETWE5 TWO WALLS ( SN[4  ,NEV] HAD MAN APPE>$ SO 9SIGNIFICANT4 ,9 ! MID/  ( ! VA/ EXT5T ( :IT5ESS1 !SE P$E/RIANS APPE>$ ABSURDLY *IM]ICAL4 ,I ASK$ MYSELF H[ A RACE  COMPOS$ ( SU* PYGMIES HAD BE5 ABLE TO ACCOMPLI%  ALL ! GREAT HI/ORICAL DE$S1 &1 /EP BY /EP1 TO C>RY  \T ?AT :I* TO-DAY WE T]M CIVILIZATION1 ! PROMISE  ( A FUTURE /ATE ( WELL-BE+ & LIB]TY4  

,YET EV5 9 ! MID/ ( !SE =MIDABLE W9T] SN[S MAN HAS BE5 ABLE TO CAUSE HIS 9TELLIG5CE &  AUDACITY TO TRIUMPH BY MEANS ( ?OSE COMM]CIAL ROADS  :I* P]MIT HIM FREELY TO DISPAT* HIS M]*&ISE  & TO TRAVEL 9 ALMO/ ALL WEA!RS4 ,! *AMOIS HAS  CEAS$ TO ROAM AB\T ! SUMMITS1 & NUMB]S ( BIRDS1  FLY+ ABOVE ! PEAKS 9 SUMM]1 HAVE PRUD5TLY DESC5D$ 9TO ! MILD] REGIONS ( ! PLA9S4 ,BUT MAN  CONT9UES TO TRAV]SE ?OSE ROADS1 ASC5D+ FROM GORGE  TO GORGE1 FROM *A9 TO *A91 UNTIL !Y REA* A GAP 9  ! CRE/ & AGA9 DESC5D ! O!R SLOPE4 ,DUR+  ! F9E SEASON1 :5 ! GLAD TORR5TS B\ND 9 CASCADES  BY ! ROADSIDE1 EV5 ! C>RIAGES DRAWN BY HORSES"9  ) !IR T9KL+ BELLS1 CAN )\T DIFFICULTY SCALE  ! 9CL9E MADE AT SU* EXP5SE UP ! ESC>PM5TS4  ,:5 ! ROAD IS COV]$ ) SN[1 IT IS NECESS>Y TO  *ANGE ! MEANS ( CONVEYANCE 3 C>TS & C>RIAGES  >E REPLAC$ BY SLEI<S ?AT GLIDE LI<TLY OV] ! HEAP$-UP FLAKES4 ,! ASC5T ( ! M\NTA9S IS NO LESS RAPID  ?AN 9 ! HOTTE/ DAYS ( SUMM] 2 AS TO ! DESC5T1 IT  IS ACCOMPLI%$ AT A DIZZY PACE4  

,IT IS 9 TRAVEL+ ?US 9 A SLEI< OV] ! NECKS (  ! M\NTA9S ?AT WE CAN BECOME ?OR\<LY ACQUA9T$ ) DEEP SN[4 ,! LI<T WOOD5 CONVEYANCE GLIDES  NOISELESSLY ALONG2 WE NO LONG] FEEL ! JOLT+ ( !  IRON UPON ! RESI/+ GR\ND1 & WE MI<T IMAG9E  \RSELVES TO BE TRAVEL+ 9TO SPACE1 AS IF BORNE AWAY BY  SOME SPIRIT4 ,AT ONE MOM5T WE R\ND ! B5D ( A  RAV9E1 ! NEXT ! PO9T ( SOME CRAG 2 WE PASS FROM  ! BOTTOM ( A *ASM TO ! $GE ( A PRECIPICE1 & 9  ALL !SE V>I\S =MS1 :I* PASS SUCCESSIVELY BE=E  \R GAZE1 ! M\NTA9 PRES]VES ITS UNI=M :IT5ESS4  ,IF ! SUN LI<TS UP ! SN[Y SURFACE1 WE SEE IT GLI/5+ ) C\NTLESS DIAMONDS2 %\LD ! SKY BE GRAY  & L[1 ! ELEM5TS SEEM TO M]GE 9TO ONE ANO!R 2  FRAGM5TS ( CL\DS1 ( SN[Y HILLOCKS1 CAN NO LONG] BE  DI/+UI%$ FROM EA* O!R3 WE MI<T IMAG9E \RSELVES TO BE FLOAT+ 9 9F9ITE SPACE 2 WE CEASE TO BELONG  TO ! E>?4  

,& H[ MU* MORE WE 5T] 9TO ! L& ( DREAMS  :51 AFT] HAV+ ATTA9$ ! CULM9AT+ PO9T ( !  PASS1 WE ONCE AGA9 DESC5D ! OPPOSITE SLOPE1 C>RI$  R\ND TURN+ AFT] TURN+ ) AL>M+ RAPIDITY 6 ,AT  ! C>AVAN'S DEP>TURE1 :5 ! LA/ SLEI< />TS !  FIR/ HAS ALREADY DISAPPE>$ BEH9D A PROJECTION 9 !  GNLF4 ,WE SEE IT1 !N IT DISAPPE>S AGA9 2 WE P]CEIVE  IT ONCE MORE1 TO BE LO/ ANEW4 ,WE PLUNGE 9TO A DIZZY  ABYSS :]E9 HEAPS ( SN[ AS BIG AS SMALL HILLS >E  ROLL+ D[N4 ,AN AVALAN*E \RSELVES1 WE SLIDE D[N  O!R AVALAN*ES1 & WE SEE AMPHI!AT]S1 RAV9ES1  CRAGS1 DEFIL+ AT \R SIDE AS IF !Y W]E DRAWN ALONG  BY A TEMPE/ 2 EV5 ! SUMMITS !MSELVES1 SO>+ TO  ! HORIZON1 SEEM TO BE SWEPT ALONG 9 A FANTA/IC :IRLW9D1 9 A SPECIES ( 9F]NAL GALLOP4 ,& :51 AT !  5D ( ! UNBRIDL$ RACE1 WE >RIVE AT ! FOOT ( !  M\NTA9 9 ! PLA9S1 ALREADY CLE>$ FROM ! SN[ OR  SLI<TLY P[D]$ OV] ) IT1 :5 WE BREA! ANO!R  ATMOSPH]E & BEHOLD A NEW NATURE 9 ANO!R CLIMATE1  WE ASK \RSELVES IF WE HAVE NOT REALLY BE5 ! PLAY?+ ( SOME HALLUC9ATION1 IF WE HAVE 9DE$ CROSS$  ?AT DEEP SN[ ABOVE ! REGION ( CL\DS & TEMPE/S 8  

,BUT ON ?OSE DAYS DUR+ :I* A /ORM LA/S1 !  TRANSIT IS P]IL\S 5\< = A TRAVEL] TO REMEMB] IT1  TO RETA9 A V]Y DI/9CT RECOLLECTION ( ALL HIS ADV5TURES4  ,! HURRICANE 9CESSANTLY DRIVES UP :IRLW9DS ( SN[ :I* HIDE ! ROAD & MODIFY ITS =M1 R$UC+ !  SLOPES & FILL+ UP ! ROAD1 R\< 5\< ALREADY4  ,! HORSES1 SO SURE-FOOT$ ON SOLID GR\ND1 HAVE SOMETIMES TO CROSS ?R\< HEAPS ( S(T1 DEEP DRIFTS 2 :ILE  ! ONE S9KS 9TO !M UP TO HIS *E/1 ANO!R /UMBLES  OV] A PIL$-UP M\ND4 ,! TEMPE/ :I/L+ R\ND  !IR E>S1 ! FLAKES BL[+ 9TO !IR EYES & NO/RILS1  ! BRUTAL OA?S ( ! DRIV]S1 IRRITATE & ?REAT5 TO  MADD5 !M4 ,! SLEI< JOLTS UP ! N>R[ WAY1 N[  B5D+ T[>DS ! M\NTA9 WALL1 N[ T[>DS !  PRECIPICE1 = !RE IS ! ABYSS 2 WE GRAZE ITS $GES1 FOLL[ IT AF> TO AN IMM5SE DI/ANCE1 AS IF 9 FALL+ WE  MU/ GO D[N 9TO ANO!R WORLD4 ,! COA*MAN HAS  PUT D[N HIS :IP 2 HE HOLDS NO?+ BUT A KNIFE 9 HIS  H& N[1 READY TO CUT ! TRACES IF ! HORSES1 BEWILD]$  ) FE> OR SLIPP+ D[N A SN[Y SLOPE1 %\LD SUDD5LY ROLL OV] ! PRECIPICE4  

,T]RIBLE IS ! UNHAPPY P$E/RIAN'S POSITION :51  SL[LY CROSS+ ! SN[1 HE IS ALL AT ONCE OV]TAK5 BY  A /ORM4 ,! PEOPLE 9 ! PLA9S COMPOS$LY CONTEMPLATE ! WEA!R4 ,! M\NTA9-PEAK1 LA%$ BY !  W9D1 SEEMS TO SMOKE LIKE A CRAT] 2 ! C\NTLESS FROZ5  MOLECULES TOSS$ UP BY ! TEMPE/ GA!R 9 ! CL\DS  :IRL+ ABOVE ! SUMMITS4 ,! CONT\RS ( ! RIDGES1  BLURR$ BY ?IS MI/ ( CIRCL+ SN[1 APPE> LESS REGUL> !Y LOOK AS IF !Y W]E FLOAT+ 9 SPACE 2 EV5  ! M\NTA9 SEEMS TO OSCILLATE ON ITS 5ORM\S BASE4  ,& :AT BECOMES ( ! POOR TRAVEL] AMID ?IS DIZZY  :IRL ( ! TEMPE/ AS IT :I/LES >\ND ! HI<  PEAKS 8 ,! SPICULES ( ICE1 HURL$ AGA9/ HIM LIKE >R[S1 BEAT HIS FACE & ?REAT5 TO BL9D HIM 2 !Y EV5  P5ETRATE HIS CLO!S 2 HE CAN H>DLY DEF5D HIMSELF AGA9/ !M1 WRAPP$ AS HE IS 9 HIS ?ICK CLOAK4 ,:51  MAK+ A FALSE /EP OR FOLL[+ A WRONG TRACK1 HE LEAVES  ! FOOTPA? = ONE MOM5T1 HE IS ALMO/ 9EVITABLY  LO/4 ,HE WALKS ALONG BY *ANCE1 FALL+ FROM ONE DRIFT  9TO ANO!R4 ,SOMETIMES HE S9KS HALF-WAY UP 9TO A  HOLE ( S(T SN[ 2 HE REMA9S 9 IT SOME TIME1 AS IF  AWAIT+ HIS DEA? 9 ! GRAVE ?AT OP5S \T B5EA?  HIM 2 !N1 9 DESPAIR1 HE RAISES HIMSELF UP AGA9 & RECOMM5CES HIS R\< WAY ?R\< ! CL\DS ( CRY/ALS  DRIV5 9TO HIS FACE BY ! W9D4 ,! SQUALLS ALT]NATELY APPROA* & RETREAT FROM ! HORIZON4 ,AT ONE MOM5T HE SEES NO?+ >\ND HIM BUT ! :ITE SMOKE  ( ! CIRCL+ FLAKES 2 AT ANO!R1 ON HIS RI<T OR LEFT1 HE  CAN DI/+UI% A TRANQUIL PEAK %AK+ (F ! CL\DS  & LOOK+ AT HIM1 0 )\T HATR$ & )\T LOVE10  9DIFF]5T TO HIS DESPAIR 2 9 IT1 AT LEA/1 HE SEES A SORT (  L&M>K1 ALL[+ HIM TO RESUME HIS WAY ) SOME  RETURN ( HOPE4 ,BUT 9 VA9 2 BL9D$1 MADD5$1 /IFF5$ ) ! COLD1 HE 5DS BY LOS+ ALL P[] ( VOLITION 2 HE TURNS R\ND & R\ND1 & /RUGGLES AIMLESSLY  ON4 ,AT LA/ HE FALLS 9TO SOME *ASM1 GAZES 9 /UPOR AT  ! :IRL+ /ORM AS IT SWEEPS OV] HIM1 & BY DEGREES  ALL[S SLEEP1 ! PRECURSOR ( DEA?1 TO OV]COME HIM4  ,9 A FEW MON?S1 :5 ! SN[ %ALL HAVE BE5 MELT$  BY ! HEAT & SWEPT AWAY BY AVALAN*ES1 SOME %EEPDOG WILL F9D ! BODY1 & BY HIS T]RIFI$ B>K+ SUMMON HIS MA/]4  

,=M]LY ANY HUMAN REMA9S F\ND 9 ! M\NTA9  HAD TO RE/ =EV] 9 ! PLACE :]E ! %EPH]D DISCOV]$ !M4 ,ROCKS W]E PIL$ UP ABOVE ! CORPSE1  & EV]Y PASS]BY WAS B\ND TO ADD HIS /ONE TO !  9CREAS+ CAIRN4 ,EV5 N[ADAYS ANY M\NTA9E] PASS+ ONE ( !SE ANCI5T TOMBS NEV] FAILS TO PICK UP HIS  /ONE :]E) TO 5L>GE ! PILE4 ,! DEAD P]SON  HAS LONG S9CE BE5 =GOTT5 P]HAPS HIS ID5TITY WAS  NEV] EV5 KN[N2 BUT FROM C5TURY TO C5TURY !  PASS]BY NEV] CEASES TO R5D] HOMAGE TO HIM1 HOP+  TO APPEASE HIS MANES4  

,*,A,P,T,] ,X,I4  

,A,V,A,L,A,N,*,E,S4  

,A,T LA/ ! LONG W9T] & ITS R$\BTABLE /ORMS  HAVE BE5 SUCCE$$ BY SWEET SPR+-TIME1 ) ITS RA9S1  ITS MILD W9DS1 ITS VIVIFY+ W>M?4 ,EV]Y?+ GR[S  Y\NG AGA9 2 ! M\NTA9 AS WELL AS ! PLA9 ASSUMES  A NEW ASPECT4 ,IT %AKES (F ITS MANTLE ( SN[ 2 ITS =E/S1 TURF1 CASCADES1 & LAKES APPE> ONCE MORE B5EA?  ! SUN'S RAYS4  

,9 ! VALLEY1 MAN WAS ! FIR/ TO RID HIMSELF ( !  ACCUMULAT$ SN[ :I* 9CONV5I5C$ HIM4 ,HE HAS  SWEPT ! ?RE%OLD ( HIS DOOR1 M5D$ HIS ROADS1 FRE$  HIS RO(S & G>D51 & !N WAITS = ! SUN TO DO  ! RE/4 ,! S\LANES1 OR SLOPES1 WELL EXPOS$ TO !  S\!RN RAYS1 BEG9 TO CA/ (F ! :ITE W9D+-%EET  ?AT %R\DS !M 2 H]E & !RE ! ROCK1 E>?1 OR TURF  REAPPE>S ?R\< ! SN[Y B$4 ,!SE BLACK PAT*ES 9CREASE BY DEGREES 2 !Y RESEMBLE GR\PS ( ISL&S  9CESSANTLY GR[+ BIGG]1 & 5D+ BY JO9+ ONE  ANO!R 3 ! :ITE SPOTS DIM9I% 9 NUMB] & SIZE 2  !Y MELT1 & SEEM GRADUALLY TO REASC5D ! M\NTA9  SLOPE4 ,! =E/ TREES1 AWAK+ FROM !IR TORPOR1 BEG9 TO PUT ON !IR SPR+ G>B 2 ASSI/$ BY ! LITTLE  BIRDS1 FLUTT]+ FROM BRAN* TO BRAN*1 !Y %AKE (F  ! BURD5 !Y BE> ( HO>-FRO/ & SN[1 & FREELY  BA! !IR NEW %OOTS 9 ! MILD] ATMOSPH]E4  

,! TORR5TS1 TOO1 REGA9 !IR ANIMATION4 ,B5EA?  ! PROTECT+ B$ ( SN[1 ! TEMP]ATURE ( !  GR\ND HAS NEV] FALL5 SO L[ AS AT ! \T] SURFACE  SWEPT BY ! COLD W9DS 2 &1 DUR+ LONG MON?S (  W9T]1 SMALL RES]VOIRS ( WAT]1 LIKE ! LITTLE DROPS 9  A DIAMOND VESSEL1 RETA9 !IR NATURAL /ATE H]E & !RE  B5EA? ! ICE4 ,9 ! SPR+-TIME !SE URNS1 T[>DS  :I* FL[ ALL ! T9Y RILLS ( MELT$ SN[1 NO LONG]  SUFFICE TO RETA9 ! LIQUID MASS2 ! FROZ5 COV]+S  BUR/1 ! BAS9S OV]FL[1 & ! WAT] SEEKS TO HOLL[  A PA? \T = ITSELF B5EA? ! SN[4 ,9 EV]Y RAV9E1  EV]Y DEPRESSION ( ! GR\ND1 ?IS HIDD5 WORK GOES  ON 2 & ! TORR5T 9 ! VALLEY1 F$ BY ALL !SE RIVULETS  DESC5D+ FROM ABOVE1 RESUMES ITS C\RSE1 :I* HAD  BE5 9T]RUPT$ BY ! COLD ( ! W9T]4 ,AT FIR/ IT  PASSES ?R\< A TUNNEL1 B5EA? HEAP$-UP SN[ 2 !N1  [+ TO ! 9CESSANT PROGRESS ( ! ?AW1 IT 5L>GES  ITS B$ & RAISES ITS VAULTS4 ,! MOM5T >RIVES 9  :I* ! MASS ABOVE CANNOT ANY LONG] PRES]VE ITS 5TIRETY 2 IT GIVES WAY AS W\LD ! RO( ( A TEMPLE :OSE  PILL>S W]E %AK54 ,?US LEAKS >E OP5$ \T 9 !  ACCUMULAT$ SN[1 FILL+ UP ! BOTTOM ( ! VALLEYS 2  :5 WE LEAN OV] ! $GE ( !SE *ASMS1 WE CAN SEE  9 !IR DEP?S A BLACK OBJECT UPON :I* A LITTLE FOAM IS  BROID]+ EPHEM]AL LACEWORK4 ,IT IS ! WAT] ( !  TORR5T2 ! DULL MURMUR ( ! /ONES DA%+ AGA9/  EA* O!R RISES FROM ! GLOOMY AP]TURE4  

,?IS FIR/ GIV+-WAY ( SN[ IS SUCCE$$ BY O!RS  MORE & MORE NUM]\S 2 & SOON ! TORR5T1 ONCE  AGA9 FREE TO A GREAT EXT5T1 HAS NO?+ LEFT BUT TO ?R[  D[N ! DAMS =M$ BY ! ?ICKE/ & MO/ COMPACT  SN[4 ,SOME ( !SE RAMP>TS RESI/ ! ACTION ( ! WAT]S = WEEKS & MON?S4 ,EV5 ON ! $GES ( !  CASCADES MASSES ( SN[1 CONV]T$ 9TO ICE & 9CESSANTLY SPR9KL$ ) ! WAT] BREAK+ =?1 OB/9ATELY RETA9 !IR =M 2 IT IS AS IF !Y REFUS$ TO DISSOLVE4 ,WE FREQU5TLY SEE BE=E ! BUSY CAT>ACT (  ! TORR5TS A SORT ( SCRE5 =M$ BY A SOLIDIFI$ WAT]FALL 2 IT IS ! FROZ5 SN[ :I* >RE/$ ! FL[ ( !  WAT] DUR+ ! W9T]4 0,:ILE REMAK+ !IR B$S 9  EV]Y VALLEY PASS+ ALONG ! BASE ( ! M\NTA9S1 9  EV]Y RAV9E FURR[+ !IR SIDES1 ! WAT]S ( !  BROOKS & TORR5TS C>RY AWAY FROM ! SN[ ON !  SLOPES ! BASEM5T S]V+ AS ITS SUPPORT4 ,! ACTION  ( ?IS PRESSURE T5DS TO PRODUCE AVALAN*ES1 & FROM  TIME TO TIME ! M\NTA91 LIKE AN ANIMATE CREATURE1  ?R[S ! SN[Y G>M5T FROM (F ITS %\LD]S4 ,9  ALL SEASONS1 EV5 9 ! SEV]E/ PORTION ( ! W9T]1  MASSES ( SN[1 C>RI$ AWAY BY !IR [N WEI<T1 ROLL  FROM ! SUMMITS & SLOPES 2 BUT !SE AVALAN*ES BE+  M]ELY COMPOS$ ( ! SUP]FICIAL PORTION ( ! SN[1  !Y >E BUT A TRIFL+ 9CID5T 9 ! M\NTA9'S LIFE4  ,SOMETIMES1 H[EV]1 IT IS ! 5TIRE"9MASS ( ! W9T]  COV]+ ?AT SLIPS FROM ! HEI<TS TO CA/ ITSELF 9TO !  VALLEYS 2 ! WAT]1 OR MELT$ SN[1 H>DLY ABLE TO P5ETRATE ?R\< ! /ILL FROZ5 SURFACE B$S1 HAS R5D]$  ! GR\ND SLIPP]Y1 ?US PREP>+ ! WAY = ! AVALAN*E4 ,! MOM5T >RIVES :5 A :OLE FIELD ( SN[  IS NO LONG] ATTA*$ TO ! SLOPE 2 IT GIVES WAY1 &1 BY  ! GREAT %OCK IT IMP>TS TO ?AT ADJO9+1 CAUSES IT ALSO  TO YIELD4 ,! :OLE MASS IS SIMULTANE\SLY PRECIPITAT$  D[N ! SIDE ( ! M\NTA91 PU%+ BE=E IT ALL !  DEBRIS MET ) ON ITS C\RSE TRUNKS ( TREES1 /ONES1  BLOCKS ( ROCK4 ,DRAGG+ AWAY ) IT GREAT LAY]S ( ! ADJAC5T SURFACE1 & OV]?R[+ MORE DI/ANT  =E/S1 ! =MIDABLE D[NFALL AT ONE BL[ SWEEPS AWAY  A :OLE SIDE ( A M\NTA9 SEV]AL HUNDR$ Y>DS 9 EXT5T1 & ! VALLEY BECOMES P>TIALLY FILL$ ) IT4 ,!  TORR5TS1 DA%+ UP AGA9/ ! OB/ACLE1 >E OBLIG$1 TEMPOR>ILY1 TO CONV]T !MSELVES 9TO LAKES4  

,( ! BULK ( !SE AVALAN*ES1 BO? M\NTA9E]S &  TRAVEL]S 9V>IABLY SPEAK ) DREAD4 ,& SOME VALLEYS1 MORE EXPOS$ ?AN O!RS1 HAVE RECEIV$ S9I/]  NAMES 9 ! LOCAL PATOIS1 SU* AS 0 ,! ,YALLEY ( ,HORROR10 OR 0 ,! ,GORGE ( ! ,E>?QUAKE40  

,I KN[ ONE1 ! MO/ T]RIBLE ( ALL1 9TO :I* !  MULETE]S NEV] V5TURE )\T KEEP+ !IR EYES FIX$  UPON ! HEI<TS4 ,ESPECIALLY ON ?OSE F9E SPR+ DAYS1  :5 ! MILD1 S(T ATMOSPH]E IS FILL$ ) DISSOLV$  VAPORS1 >E ! TRAVEL]S' LOOKS ANXI\S & !IR WORDS  FEW4 ,!Y KN[ ?AT ! AVALAN*E IS SIMPLY WAIT+  = A %OCK1 = A DI/URBANCE ( ! AIR OR GR\ND1 9 ORD] TO SET ITSELF 9 MOTION4 ,AT !SE TIMES !Y WALK  LIKE ?IEVES1 ) 0RAPID1 CAUTI\S /EPS 2 SOMETIMES EV5  !Y WRAP /RAW R@5UND !IR MULES' BELLS1 SO ?AT !  T9KL+ ( ! METAL MAY NOT IRRITATE ! EVIL SPIRIT M5AC+ !M UP ABOVE4 ,AT LA/1 :5 !Y HAVE PASS$  ! \TLET ( ?OSE R$\BTABLE RAV9ES1 :]E ! M\NTA9 RIVULETS SIMULTANE\SLY LET LOOSE !IR AVALAN*ES ON  SEV]AL SIDES1 !Y CAN BREA! 9 PEACE1 & ?9K1 )\T P]SONAL ANXIETY1 ( !IR LESS HAPPY PR$ECESSORS1 (  :OM !Y W]E TELL+ SU* T]RIBLE TALES ! EV5+  BE=E4 ,FREQU5TLY1 :ILE ! TRAVEL]S >E TRANQUILLY  CONT9U+ !IR DESC5T T[>DS ! PLA91 A S\ND (  ?UND]1 A PROLONG$ RO> REV]B]AT+ FROM ROCK TO  ROCK1 COMPELS !M SUDD5LY TO TURN R\ND 2 IT IS ! FALL ( SN[ ?AT HAS JU/ TAK5 PLACE1 & HAS FILL$ !  GORGE ?R\< :I* !Y PASS$ A FEW MOM5TS AGO4  

,HAPPILY ! DISPOSITION & =M ( ! SLOPES P]MIT  ! M\NTA9E]S TO RECOGNIZE SU* DANG]\S LOCALITIES4  ,?US !Y DO NOT BUILD !IR CAB9S BEL[ A DECLIVITY  :]EON AVALAN*ES >E =M$1 &1 9 TRAC+ \T !IR  FOOTPA?S1 TAKE C>E TO SELECT %ELT]$ R\TES4 ,BUT EV]Y?+ *ANGES 9 NATURE1 & ONE ( !SE LITTLE H\SES  OR FOOTPA?S1 :I* SO LATELY HAD NO?+ TO FE>1 5DS BY  F9D+ ITSELF EXPOS$ TO DANG] 2 ! ANGLE ( A PROJECTION MAY HAVE DISAPPE>$1 ! DIRECTION ( ! *ANNEL  ( ! AVALAN*E MAY HAVE BE5 SLI<TLY DIV]T$1 !  PROTECT+ \TSKIRTS ( A =E/ HAVE GIV5 WAY B5EA?  ! PRESSURE ( ! SN[1 & CONSEQU5TLY ALL ! M\NTA9E]S' PRECAUTIONS HAVE PROV$ FUTILE4  

,9 CONSEQU5CE ( ! ?\S&S ( COLUMNS ( CLOSELY  PACK$ TRUNKS1 WOODS >E ONE ( ! BE/ B>RI]S AGA9/  ! PROGRESS ( !SE AVALAN*ES1 & NUMB]S ( VILLAGES  POSSESS NO O!R MEANS ( DEF5SE AGA9/ ! SN[4 ,&  ) :AT RESPECT1 :AT ALMO/ RELIGI\S V5]ATION1 DO  ! PEOPLE REG>D !IR SACR$ WOOD 6 ,! /RANG] WALK+ AB\T !IR M\NTA9S ADMIRES ! =E/ = ! SAKE  ( ! BEAUTY ( ITS TREES1 ! CONTRA/ ( ITS V]DURE )  ! :ITE SN[2 BUT !Y1 !Y [E TO IT LIFE & REPOSE 2 IT IS1 ?ANKS TO IT1 ?AT !Y CAN GO TRANQUILLY TO  SLEEP ( AN EV5+ )\T FE> ( BE+ SWALL[$ UP  DUR+ ! NI<T4 ,FULL ( GRATITUDE T[>DS ! PROTECT+ =E/1 !Y HAVE DEIFI$ IT4 ,WOE BE TO HIM :O  T\*ES ONE ( ITS %IELD+ TRUNKS ) HIS AX 6 0 ,HE  :O KILLS ! SACR$ TREE KILLS ! M\NTA9E]10 SAYS ONE  ( !IR PROV]BS4  

,& YET SU* MURD]]S HAVE BE5 MET )1 & 9 GREAT NUMB]S4 ,JU/ AS 9 \R DAYS1 EV5 SO-CALL$ 0 CIVILIZ$0 SOLDI]S COMPEL ! 9HABITANTS ( AN OASIS TO SUBMIT1 BY HEW+ D[N !IR PALM-TREES1 :I* >E ! LIFE  ( ! TRIBE1 SO HAS IT (T5 OCCURR$ ?AT1 9 ORD] TO R$UCE ! M\NTA9E]S1 9VAD]S1 9 ! PAY ( SOME LORD1  OR EV5 %EPH]DS FROM ANO!R VALLEY1 HAVE CUT D[N  ! TREES :I* S]V$ ! VILLAGES AS A SAFEGU>D AGA9/  DE/RUCTION4 ,SU* W]E1 SU* >E /ILL1 ! PRACTICES (  W>4 ,NOT LESS F]OCI\S IS GRE$Y SPECULATION :51 BY  RI<T ( PUR*ASE OR ! *ANCES ( 9H]ITANCE OR CONQUE/1 A MONEY$ MAN HAS BECOME ! PROPRIETOR ( A SACR$ =E/ 2 WOE BE TO ?OSE :OSE FATE DEP5DS UPON  HIS B5EVOL5CE OR CAPRICE 6 ,SOON ! WOOD-CUTT]S >E  AT WORK 9 ! =E/1 ! TRUNKS >E HEWN D[N1 ?R[N  9TO ! VALLEY1 SOLD AS PLANKS1 & PAID = 9 GOOD /]L+ DOLL>S4 ,?US A WIDE ROAD IS LAID OP5 = ! AVALAN*ES4 ,DEPRIV$ ( !IR \TWORK1 IT MAY BE ?AT !  9HABITANTS ( ! ?REAT5$ VILLAGE P]SI/ 9 REMA9+  = ! SAKE ( !IR NATAL HE>? 3 BUT SOON] OR LAT]  ! P]IL BECOMES IMM95T2 !Y >E OBLIG$ TO MIGRATE  9 ALL HA/E1 TO C>RY AWAY !IR PRECI\S POSSESSIONS1 &  TO LEAVE ! H\SE A PREY TO ! TOTT]+ SN[4  

,T]RIBLE *RONICLES ( AVALAN*ES >E RELAT$ TO NI<TWAT*]S 9 ALL M\NTA9 VILLAGES1 & ! *ILDR5 LI/5  :ILE NE/L+ UP AGA9/ !IR MO!RS' KNEES4 ,:AT  ! FIRE-DAMP IS TO A M9] IS AN AVALAN*E TO A M\NTA9E]4 ,IT M5ACES HIS *ALET1 HIS B>NS1 HIS CATTLE2 IT  MAY SWALL[ UP HIMSELF4 ,H[ MANY RELATIVES1 FRI5DS1  HAS HE KN[N :O N[ SLEEP B5EA? ! SN[ 6 ,( AN  EV5+ :5 HE PASSES BY ! PLACE :]E ! 5ORM\S MASS +ULF$ !M1 IT SEEMS TO HIM ?AT !  M\NTA9 :5CE ! AVALAN*E WAS LET LOOSE LOOKS WICK$LY AT HIM1 & 4HE R$\BLES HIS PACE 9 ORD] TO  HA/5 FROM ! S9I/] SPOT4 ,SOMETIMES1 ALSO1 ! DEBRIS  ( ! D[NFALL REM9DS HIM ( A COMRADE'S UNHOP$= ESCAPE4 ,YOND]1 ON ONE SPR+ NI<T1 A SLOP+ B$  ( SN[1 HI<] ?AN ! TALLE/ FIR-TREES & ! VILLAGE  T[]1 FELL D[N4 ,A GR\P ( COTTAGES & B>NS LAY  B5EA? ! =MIDABLE MASS4 ,NO D\BT1 ?\<T !  M\NTA9E]S :O HAD HA/5$ UP FROM ! NEI<BOR+  HAMLETS NO D\BT ! WOODWORK HAD BE5 DEMOLI%$  & ! 9HABITANTS W\LD BE LY+ CRU%$ B5EA? !  RU9S6 ,YET !Y SET BRAVELY TO WORK TO REMOVE !  5ORM\S HEAP4 ,!Y LABOR ON = F\R DAYS & F\R  NI<TS1 & :5 AT LA/ !IR SPADES REA* ! RO( (  ! FIR/ *ALET !Y HE> VOICES S++ 9 ANSW] TO ONE  ANO!R4 ,!SE >E ! VOICES ( ! FRI5DS :OM !Y  IMAG9$ TO BE LO/4 ,!IR H\SES HAD )/OOD !  VIOL5CE ( ! %OCK1 & ! AIR :I* !Y CONTA9$  HAD HAPPILY BE5 SUFFICI5T4 ,DUR+ ! PEOPLE'S IMPRISONM5T !Y HAD SP5T !IR TIME 9 E/ABLI%+  COMMUNICATION FROM H\SE TO H\SE1 & 9 DIGG+ A  TUNNEL ( EGRESS1 S++ AT ! SAME TIME SO AS TO 5C\RAGE !MSELVES OV] !IR WORK4  

,:5 ONCE ! PROTECT+ =E/S HAVE DISAPPE>$1 IT  IS V]Y DIFFICULT TO REPLACE !M4 ,TREES GR[ SL[LY ON  ALL P>TS ( ! M\NTA9S2 9 ! *ANNELS ( ! AVALAN*ES !Y DO NOT GR[ AT ALL4 ,IT IS TRUE ?AT BY MEANS  ( 5G9E]+ WORKS ! SN[ CAN BE KEPT SAFELY ON !  HI< SLOPES1 & ?US ! DISA/] ( ITS FALL 9TO ! VALLEYS BE PREV5T$ 2 ! DECLIVITY MI<T BE HEWN 9TO  HORIZONTAL T]RACES UPON :I* ! B$S ( SN[ W\LD  BE OBLIG$ TO RE/1 AS UPON ! /EPS ( A GIGANTIC /AIRCASE 2 ! TRUNKS ( TREES MI<T BE REPLAC$ BY R[S ( IRON /AKES & PALISADES1 :I* W\LD PREV5T ! SLIPP+-D[N ( ! UPP] MASSES4 ,!SE ATTEMPTS HAVE  ALREADY BE5 MADE SUCCESSFULLY1 BUT ONLY 9 VALLEYS 9HABIT$ BY A RI* & NUM]\S POPULATION4 ,POOR VILLAG]S1 UNLESS !Y >E AID$ BY ! WORLD AT L>GE1 W\LD  NEV] ?9K ( ?US C>V+ AFRE% ! EXT]IOR ( !  M\NTA91 & ! AVALAN*ES CONT9UE TO FALL UPON !  MEAD[S BY !IR ACCU/OM$ *ANNELS4 ,! VILLAG]S  >E OBLIG$ TO CONF9E !MSELVES TO PROTECT+ !IR LITTLE  H\SES BY 5ORM\S SPURS ( /ONE1 BREAK+ ! =CE (  ! SLIPP+ SN[1 & DIVID+ IT 9TO TWO CURR5TS :5  IT DOES NOT DESC5D 9 MASSES SUFFICI5TLY P[]FUL TO DEMOLI% EV]Y?+ AT ONE %OCK4  

,( ALL ! DE/ROY]S ( ! M\NTA9S1 AN AVALAN*E IS  ! MO/ 5]GETIC4 ,IT C>RIES AWAY ) IT E>? &  ROCKY FRAGM5TS AS W\LD AN OV]FL[+ TORR5T2 /ILL  MORE BY ! GRADUAL MELT+ ( ! SN[1 =M+ ITS  L[] /RATA1 IT SO MOI/5S ! GR\ND ?AT ! LATT] BECOMES *ANG$ 9TO S(T MUD1 FISSUR$ ) DEEP CREVICES1  & S9K+ D[N B5EA? ITS [N WEI<T4 ,! E>?  HAS BECOME FLUID TO A GREAT DEP? 2 IT FL[S ALONG !  :OLE L5G? ( ! SLOPES1 DRAW+ ) IT FOOTPA?S1  BLOCKS ( SCATT]$ ROCKS1 EV5 H\SES & =E/S4 ,:OLE  SIDES ( M\NTA9S1 R5D]$ SODD5 BY ! SN[1 HAVE  ?US SLIPP$ D[N 9 ONE MASS ) !IR FIELDS1 !IR  PA/URES1 !IR WOODS1 & !IR 9HABITANTS4 ,?US BY  !IR HEAP+ UP1 & ! MELT+ WAT] P5ETRAT+ SO  SL[LY 9TO ! GR\ND1 FLAKES ( SN[ SUFFICE LITTLE BY  LITTLE TO DEMOLI% ! M\NTA9S4 ,9 SPR+ EV]Y RAV9E  CLE>LY BETRAYS ?IS WORK ( DE/RUCTION 2 CASCADES1 L&SLIPS1 AVALAN*ES1 SN[1 ROCKS1 & WAT] DESC5D 9 CONFUSION FROM ! SUMMITS & MAKE !IR WAY T[>DS  ! PLA94  

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,E,V,5 9 ! MID/ ( SUMM]1 :5 ALL ! SN[ IS  MELT$ BY ! BREA? ( ! W>M W9DS1 5ORM\S ACCUMULATIONS ( ICE1 IMPRISON$ 9 ! UPP] VALLEYS1 /ILL  PRODUCE A LOCAL W9T]1 APPE>+ ALL ! MORE CURI\S  FROM ! CONTRA/4 ,:5 ! SUN %9ES ) ALL ITS  BRILLIANCY1 BO? ! DIRECT HEAT & ?AT S5T =? BY !  GLACI]S >E FELT OPPRESSIVELY BY ! TRAVEL]2 IT EV5  SEEMS TO BE HOTT] ?AN 9 ! VALLEYS1 [+ TO ! DRYNESS ( ! AIR1 9CESSANTLY DEPRIV$ ( ITS HUMIDITY BY  ! GLACI]'S GRE$Y SURFACE4 ,BIRDS CAN BE HE>D S++  CLOSE BY B5EA? ! FOLIAGE 2 FL[]S /UD ! GRASS1 FRUIT  RIP5S UND] ! :ORTLEB]RY LEAVES4 ,& YET1 SIDE BY  SIDE ) ?IS JOY\S WORLD1 !RE LIES ! GLOOMY GLACI]1  ) ITS GAP+ CREVICES1 ITS COLLECTION ( /ONES1 ITS T]RIBLE SIL5CE1 ITS APP>5T IMMOBILITY4 ,IT IS DEA? BY !  SIDE ( LIFE4  

,NEV]!LESS1 ! GREAT FROZ5 MASS POSSESSES ITS MOTION ALSO3 SL[LY1 BUT ) AN 9V9CIBLE =CE1 IT WORKS  AS DO ! W9D1 SN[1 RA91 RUNN+ WAT]1 TO R5EW !  PLANET'S SURFACE4 ,:]EV] GLACI]S HAVE PASS$ OV]1  DUR+ ONE ( ! AGES ( ! E>?'S EXI/5CE1 ! ASPECT  ( ! C\NTRY HAS BE5 TRANS=M$ BY !IR ACTION4  ,AS DO AVALAN*ES1 !Y C>RY ! RUBBI% ( ! CRUMBL+ M\NTA9S 9TO ! PLA9S1 NOT BY VIOL5CE1 BUT BY  ! PATI5T LABOR ( EV]Y MOM5T4  

,! WORK ( ! GLACI]1 SO DIFFICULT TO DISCOV] 9 ITS  SECRET PROGRESS1 AL?\< SO VA/ 9 ITS RESULTS1 COMM5CES  FROM ! SUMMIT ( ! M\NTA91 ON ! SURFACE ( !  SN[Y /RATA4 ,UP ABOVE 9 ! AMPHI!AT]S :]E !  CL\DS ( :ITE SPICULES1 LA%$ BY ! /ORM1 HAVE BE5  COLLECT$ 9 :IRLW9DS1 ! UNI=M EXPANSE ( ! SN[BANKS DOES NOT *ANGE ITS ASPECT4 ,FROM YE> TO YE>1  FROM C5TURY TO C5TURY1 IT IS ALWAYS ! SAME :IT5ESS1  PALE B5EA? ! %AD[ ( ! CL\DS1 DAZZL+ B5EA?  ! RAYS ( ! SUN4 ,IT APPE>S AS IF ! SN[ W]E ET]NAL !RE1 & IT IS ?US DESIGNAT$ BY ! 9HABITANTS (  ! PLA9S1 :O FROM BEL[ SEE IT %9+ BESIDE !  HEAV5S4 ,!Y BELIEVE ?AT IT REMA9S =EV] UPON !  L(TY PEAKS1 & ?AT IF ! W9D1 DUR+ /ORMS1 DOES LIFT  IT UP1 IT IS ALWAYS ALL[$ TO FALL BACK 9TO ! SAME  PLACE4  

,IT IS NO?+ ( ! SORT4 ,ONE PORTION ( ! SN[  EVAPORATES & RETURNS TO ! CL\DS1 :5CE IT DESC5D$4 ,ANO!R PORTION1 EXPOS$ TO ! RAYS ( ! SUN1 OR  TO ! 9FLU5CE ( A HOT S\!RN W9D1 IS SPR9KL$ OV]  ) T9Y MELT$ DROPS1 TRICKL+ D[N ! SURFACE OR  P5ETRAT+ ! /RATA UNTIL1 SEIZ$ UPON AGA9 BY !  COLD1 !Y BECOME CONGEAL$ 9TO IMP]CEPTIBLE GEMS4  ,?US1 BY MEANS ( ! MILLIONS ( MOLECULES :I* MELT1  !N FREEZE TO MELT AGA91 & AGA9 GR[ SOLID1 ! MASS  ( SN[ BECOMES 9S5SIBLY TRANS=M$ 2 AT ! SAME  TIME1 [+ TO ! WEI<T :I* C>RIES AWAY ! MELT$  DROPS = SEV]AL 9*ES1 IT BECOMES DISPLAC$1 & LITTLE  BY LITTLE ! SN[1 SO LATELY FALL5 UPON ! SUMMIT (  ! M\NTA91 IS F\ND TO HAVE DESC5D$ ! SLOPES4 ,O!R SN[ HAS TAK5 ITS PLACE1 & WILL FL[ AGA9 9  TURN BY A S]IES ( FUSIONS1 )\T1 H[EV]1 HAV+ TO  SUFF] ! LEA/ APP>5T *ANGE4 ,IT IS TRUE ?AT !Y  HAVE ! 9F9ITUDE ( AGES BE=E !M 2 SL[LY !Y  MOVE ON T[>DS ! SEA1 :]E !Y MU/ ONE DAY BE  SWALL[$ UP4 ,BY ! TIME ?AT TWO G5]ATIONS ( M5  HAVE SUCCE$$ ONE ANO!R 9 ! L[] PLA9S1 ONE (  !SE FLAKES ( SN[1 FALL5 FROM A L(TY PEAK1 WILL NOT  YET HAVE ISSU$ FROM ! MASS ( ! SN[4  

,BUT1 SL[ AS IT MAY BE1 ?IS FLAKE1 CONV]T$ 9TO A  CRY/AL1 DOES NOT ! LESS HOLD ON 9 ITS C\RSE4 ,! MASS  ( SN[1 :I* HAS BECOME HOMOG5E\S1 & HAS ALREADY  BE5 TRANS=M$ 9TO ICE1 GETS 5TANGL$ 9 ! M\NTA9 GORGE1 :I!R ITS WEI<T DRAWS IT4 ,ALWAYS IMMOVABLE 9 APPE>ANCE1 ! ACCUMULATION ( ICE HAS N[ BECOME A REAL RIV] FL[+ 9 A ROCKY B$4 ,UPON !  SLOPES TO ! RI<T & LEFT1 ! W9T]'S SN[ IS COMPLETELY MELT$1 & FL[]+ PLANTS HAVE REPLAC$ IT2 A  :OLE WORLD ( 9SECTS LIVES & BUZZES AMID ! GRASS  ( ! PA/URES 2 ! AIR IS S(T1 & MAN LEADS HIS FLOCKS  ON TO ! GRASSY ESC>PM5TS :5CE HIS GLANCE CAN DESC5D FROM AF> UPON ! FROZ5 /REAM4 ,! LATT]1 BY  UNCEAS+ EF=TS1 CONT9UES ITS J\RNEY TO ! PLA9 2 IT  W\LD /RET* ITSELF \T AS F> AS ! LEVEL FIELDS AT !  FOOT ( ! M\NTA9S IT W\LD REA* ! SEA ITSELF IF  ! MILD TEMP]ATURE ( ! L[ R ] VALLEYS1 ! W>M?  ( ! W9DS1 ! RAYS ( ! SUN1 DID NOT SUCCE$ 9  MELT+ ! =EMO/ ICE4  

,ON ITS C\RSE1 ! SOLID RIV] BEHAVES AS W\LD A REAL  ONE ( RUNN+ WAT]4 ,IT HAS ITS ME&]+S1 ITS $DIES1  ITS DEP?S & %ALL[S1 ITS 0 TORPIDS10 ITS RAPIDS1 & ITS  CASCADES4 ,LIKE ! WAT]1 :I* EXP&S OR CONTRACTS ACCORD+ TO ! =M ( ITS B$1 ! ICE ADAPTS ITSELF TO  ! DIM5SIONS ( ! RAV9E CONTA9+ IT4 ,IT KN[S  EXACTLY H[ TO MOLD ITSELF UPON ! ROCK1 AS WELL 9  ! VA/ BAS9 :OSE WALLS WID5 \T ON EI!R SIDE AS  9 ! DEFILE1 :]E ! PASSAGE ALMO/ CLOSES UP4 ,IMPELL$ BY ! MASSES1 9CESSANTLY F$ BY ! UPP] SN[1  ! GLACI] CONT9UES TO SLIDE UPON ! BOTTOM1 ! 9CL9E ( :I* IS ALMO/ 9S5SIBLE1 OR ELSE =MS A SUCCESSION ( PRECIPICES4  

,BUT ! ICE1 NOT POSSESS+ ! SUPPL5ESS1 ! FLUIDITY1  ( WAT]1 ACCOMPLI%ES1 ) A SOME:AT B>B>IC AWKW>DNESS1 ALL ! MOVEM5TS =C$ UPON IT BY ! NATURE ( ! GR\ND4 ,IT CANNOT1 AT ITS CAT>ACTS1 FALL 9 ONE  LEVEL %EET AS DOES ! WAT] CURR5T2 BUT1 ACCORD+ TO  ! 9EQUALITIES ( ! BOTTOM & ! COHESION ( !  ICE CRY/ALS1 IT FRACTURES1 SPLITS1 GETS CUT UP 9TO BLOCKS 9CL9+ V>I\S WAYS1 FALL+ OV] ONE ANO!R1 BECOM+  CEM5T$ TOGE!R AGA9 9 CURI\S OBELISKS1 T[]S1 FANTA/IC GR\PS4 ,EV5 9 ?AT P>T :]E ! BOTTOM (  ! IMM5SE GROOVE 9CL9ES ) TOL]ABLE REGUL>ITY1  ! SURFACE ( ! GLACI] DOES NOT 9 ! LEA/ RESEMBLE  ! EV5 SURFACE ( ! WAT] ( A RIV]4 ,! FRICTION  ( ! ICE AGA9/ ITS $GES DOES NOT RIPPLE IT ) T9Y  WAVE'S SIMIL> TO ?OSE ( ! %ORE1 BUT FRACTURES & REFRACTURES IT ) CREVICES1 9T]SECT+ ONE ANO!R 9 A  LABYR9? ( FISSURES4  

,9 W9T]1 & EV5 :5 SPR+ HAS ALREADY R5EW$  ! ORNAM5TATION ( ! L[] C\NTRIES1 A GREAT NUMB] ( CREVASSES >E CONCEAL$ B5EA? ?ICK MASSES (  SN[1 EXT5D+ 9 CONT9U$ LAY]S ALONG ! SURFACE (  ! GLACI]2 !N1 IF ! GRANUL\S SN[ HAS NOT BE5  S(T5$ BY ! SUN'S HEAT1 IT IS EASY TO WALK ABOVE ! M\? ( !SE HIDD5 ABYSSES4 ,! TRAVEL] CAN IGNORE  !M1 AS HE IGNORES ! OP5 CAVES 9 ! ?ICKNESS (  ! M\NTA9S4 ,BUT ! ANNUAL RETURN ( ! SUMM]  SEASON BY DEGREES MELTS ! SUP]FICIAL SN[4 ,! GLACI]1 MOV+ ON 9CESSANTLY1 & :OSE FRACTUR$ MASS  VIBRATES 9 ONE CONT9UAL TREMOR1 %AKES (F ! SN[Y  MANTLE COV]+ IT2 H]E & !RE ! VAULTS FALL 91  & 9 GREAT FRAGM5TS BURY !MSELVES 9 ! DEP?S (  ! CREVASSES2 FREQU5TLY NO?+ REMA9S BUT ! N>R[ BRIDGES UPON :I* NO P]SON W\LD V5TURE )\T HAV+ TE/$ ! SOLIDITY ( ! SN[ ) HIS FOOT4  

,IT IS !N ?AT IT BECOMES DANG]\S TO TRAV]SE MANY  A GLACI] ON ACC\NT ( ! WID? ( ITS FISSURES1 BRAN*+ \T TO 9F9ITY4 ,FROM ! $GES ( ! *ASM WE  SOMETIMES SEE 9 ! 9T]IOR ( ! SUP]POS$ LAY]S (  BLUI% ICE1 :I* REC5TLY W]E SN[ & >E SEP>AT$  BY BLACKI% B&S1 ! REMA9S ( DEBRIS FALL5 UPON !  SN[2 AT O!R TIMES ! ICE1 CLE>1 HOMOG5E\S 9 ITS  :OLE MASS1 APPE>S TO BE BUT ONE S+LE CRY/AL4  

,:AT IS ! DEP? ( ! WELL 8 ,WE DO NOT KN[4 ,A  JUTT+ CRAG ( ICE1 COMB9$ ) ! D>KNESS1 PREV5TS  \R GLANCE DESC5D+ TO ! L[E/ ROCKS 2 YET WE SOMETIMES HE> A MY/]I\S NOISE ASC5D+ FROM ! ABYSS 3  IT IS ! WAT] RIPPL+1 A /ONE BECOM+ LOOS5$1 A BIT  ( ICE SPLITT+ (F & FALL+ D[N4  

,EXPLOR]S HAVE DESC5D$ !SE *ASMS TO MEASURE  !IR D5SITY & TO /UDY ! TEMP]ATURE & COMPOSITION ( ! DEEP ICE4 ,SOMETIMES !Y HAVE BE5 ABLE TO  DO IT )\T ANY GREAT RISK1 BY P5ETRAT+ LAT]ALLY 9TO  ! CLEFTS1 BY ! JUTT+ ROCKS :I* S]VE AS BANKS TO  ! RIV]S ( ICE4 ,FREQU5TLY1 TOO1 !Y HAVE BE5 OBLIG$  TO BE LET D[N BY MEANS ( ROPES1 AS IS ! M9] :O P5ETRATES TO ! BOSOM ( ! E>?4 ,BUT = ONE SCI5TIFIC DISCOV]] :O1 TAK+ ALL NECESS>Y PRECAUTIONS1  ?US EXPLORES ! HOLES ( ! GLACI]S1 H[ MANY UNHAPPY %EPH]DS HAVE BE5 +ULF$ & MET !IR DEA? 9  ?OSE *ASMS 6 ,YET WE KN[ ( M\NTA9E]S :O1 HAV+ FALL5 TO ! BOTTOM ( !SE CREVASSES1 W\ND$1  BLE$+1 LO/ 9 ! D>KNESS1 HAVE PRES]V$ !IR C\RAGE & ! RESOLUTION TO SEE DAYLI<T ONCE MORE4 ,!RE  WAS ONE :O FOLL[$ ! C\RSE ( A SUB-GLACIAL /REAM1  & ?US MADE A V]ITABLE J\RNEY BEL[ ! 5ORM\S  VAULT ( PIECES ( FALL+ ICE4 ,AFT] A SIMIL> EXCURSION1  !RE IS NO?+ LEFT = ! MAN TO DO BUT TO DESC5D  9TO ! *ASM ( A CRAT] TO EXPLORE ! SUBT]RANEAN  RES]VOIR ( LAVA4  

,WE >E C]TA9LY B\ND TO AW>D GREAT PRAISE TO !  C\RAGE\S SAVANT :O DESC5DS 9TO ! DEP?S ( !  GLACI] TO /UDY ITS *ANNELS OR GROOVES1 ITS AIR-BUBBLES1 ITS  CRY/ALS 2 BUT H[ MANY ?+S MAY WE NOT CONTEMPLATE  ON ! SURFACE1 H[ MANY *>M+ DETAILS >E WE NOT  P]MITT$ TO P]CEIVE1 H[ MANY LAWS >E NOT REVEAL$  TO \R EYES1 IF WE KN[ H[ TO LOOK 6  

,REALLY1 9 ?IS APP>5T *AOS EV]Y?+ IS REGULAT$ BY LAWS4 ,:Y %\LD A FISSURE ALWAYS BE PRODUC$  9 ! FROZ5 MASS OPPOSITE ONE PO9T ( ! /EEP  BANK 8 ,:Y AT A C]TA9 DEP? BEL[ %\LD ! CREVASSE1  :I* HAS GRADUALLY BECOME 5L>G$1 AGA9 BR+ ITS  $GES NE>] EA0* O!R & ! GLACI] BE RECEM5T$ 8  ,:Y %\LD ! SURFACE REGUL>LY BULGE \T 9 ONE P>T  TO BECOME FISSUR$ ELSE:]E 8 ,ON SEE+ ALL !SE PH5OM5A1 :I* R\<LY REPRODUCE ! RIPPLES1 WAVELETS1 & $DIES ON ! SMOO? %EETS ( ! WAT] (  A RIV]1 WE BETT] UND]/& ! UNITY :I*1 UND] SU* AN 9F9ITY ( ASPECTS1 PRESIDES OV] EV]Y?+ 9  NATURE4  

,:51 BY LONG EXPLORATION1 WE HAVE BECOME FAMILI>  ) ! GLACI]1 & WE KN[ H[ TO ACC\NT TO \RSELVES = ALL ! LITTLE *ANGES :I* TAKE PLACE UPON ITS  SURFACE1 IT IS A DELI<T1 A JOY1 TO ROAM AB\T IT ON A F9E  SUMM]'S DAY4 ,! HEAT ( ! SUN HAS 5D[$ IT )  VOICE & MOTION4 ,T9Y VE9S ( WAT]1 ALMO/ IMP]CEPTIBLE AT FIR/1 >E =M$ H]E & !RE 2 !SE UNITE  9 SP>KL+ /REAMLETS :I* W9D AT ! BOTTOM (  M9IATURE RIV]-B$S1 HOLL[$ \T BY !MSELVES1 &  !N SUDD5LY DISAPPE> 9 A FISSURE 9 ! ICE1 GIV+  =? A L[ PLA9T 9 A SILV]Y VOICE4 ,!Y SWELL OR FALL  ACCORD+ TO ! V>IATIONS ( ! TEMP]ATURE4 ,%\LD  A CL\D PASS BE=E ! SUN & COOL ! ATMOSPH]E1  !Y B>ELY CONT9UE TO FL[2 :5 ! HEAT BECOMES  GREAT]1 ! SUP]FICIAL RIVULETS ASSUME ! PACE ( TORR5TS 2 !Y SWEEP AWAY ) !M S& & PEBBLES TO  BE DEPOSIT$ 9 ALLUVIONS1 OR TO =M HI< BANKS & ISL&S 2 !N T[>DS EV5+ !Y CALM D[N1 & SOON  ! COLD ( ! NI<T CONGEALS !M AFRE%4  

,B5EA? ! RAYS ( HEAT TEMPOR>ILY ANIMAT+ !  FIELD ( ! GLACI] BY MELT+ ! SUP]FICIAL LAY]1 !  LITTLE WORLD ( PEBBLES1 FALL5 FROM ! NEI<BOR+ WALLS1  ALSO BECOMES AGITAT$4 ,A GRAVEL SLOPE1 SITUAT$ ON !  $GE ( A MURMUR+ /REAM ( WAT]1 SUBSIDES BY P>TIAL D[NFALLS & PLUNGES 9TO ! FISSUR@&S4 ,ELSE:]E1  BLACK1 BROK5 /ONES >E SCATT]$ OV] ! GLACI] 2 !Y  ABSORB & CONC5TRATE ! HEAT1 MAK+ HOLES 9 ! ICE  B5EA? !M1 PI]C+ IT ) LITTLE CYL9DRICAL AP]TURES4 ,F>!R (F1 ON ! CONTR>Y1 VA/ ACCUMULATIONS  ( DEBRIS & BIG /ONES PREV5T ! HEAT ( ! SUN P5ETRAT+ BEL[2 ON EV]Y SIDE ! ICE MELTS & EVAPORATES4 ,9 ! 5D !SE /ONES =M PILL>S :I* APPE>  TO GR[1 TO SPR+ \T ( ! GR\ND LIKE COLUMNS (  M>BLE 2 BUT EA* ONE1 TOO WEAK1 AT LA/ BREAKS B5EA?  ! WEI<T1 & ALL ! FRAGM5TS ?AT IT BORE FALL D[N  ) A CRA%1 TO RECOMM5CE A SIMIL> EVOLUTION ON !  MORR[4 ,H[ MU* MORE *>M+ >E ALL !SE LITTLE  DRAMAS ( 9ANIMATE NATURE :5 ANIMALS OR PLANTS TAKE  P>T 9 !M 6 ,ATTRACT$ BY ! MILDNESS ( ! AIR1 !  BUTT]FLY FLUTT]S ON ! SC5E1 :ILE ! PLANT :I* FELL  D[N FROM ! HEI<TS ( ! NEI<BOR+ ROCKS 9 A  L&SLIP UTILIZES ITS %ORT REPRIEVE ( LIFE TO TAKE ROOT  AGA91 & TO DISPLAY TO ! SUN ITS LA/ COROLLA4 ,NAVIGATORS ON ! POL> COA/ HAVE SE5 A :OLE C>PET (  VEGETATION COV] A HI< CLIFF COMPOS$ ( E>? AT !  TOP & ICE AT ! BASE4  

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,A,L,L !SE SMALL PH5OM5A DAILY TAK+ PLACE APPE>  TO BE A V]Y TRIFL+ MATT] 9 ! E>?'S HI/ORY4 ,:AT1  9DE$1 IS ! WORK ( A GLACI] DUR+ A SUMM]'S DAY 8  ,ITS MASS1 MOV+ ONW>D ) AN UNCEAS+ EF=T1 HAS  H>DLY PROGRESS$ ONE 9* 2 TWO OR ?REE ROCKS HAVE BECOME DETA*$ FROM ! WALLS 9 ORD] TO FALL UPON !  MOV+ FIELD ( ICE2 ! /REAM1 C>RY+ AWAY ! MELT$  WAT]1 HAS SPREAD \T WID] 9 ITS B$ 2 ! PEBBLES BECOME MORE NUM]\S1 & DA% AGA9/ EA* O!R )  GREAT] NOISE4 ,O!RWISE EV]Y?+ HAS PRES]V$ ITS  CU/OM>Y APPE>ANCE4 ,NO:]E DOES NATURE SEEM TO  BE SL[] 9 ITS WORK ( P]PETUAL R5OVATION4  

,& YET !SE DAILY1 MOM5T>Y1 TRIFL+ TRANS=MATIONS 5D BY BR++ AB\T IMM5SE *ANGES 9 !  E>?'S ASPECT1 V]ITABLE GEOLOGICAL REVOLUTIONS4 ,!SE  PEBBLES1 !SE FRAGM5TS ( ROCK1 FALL+ FROM ! UPP]  ESC>PM5TS ON TO ! B$ ( ICE1 BECOME PIL$ UP1 LITTLE  BY LITTLE1 AT ! BASE ( ! WALLS AS 5ORM\S RAMP>TS  ( /ONES2 !Y MOVE SL[LY ON ) ! FROZ5 MASS  ?AT BE>S !M 2 BUT O!R DDBRIS1 :I* HAS ROLL$  D[N ! SAME *ANNELS ( ! M\NTA91 REPLACES !M  9 ! LOCALITIES !Y HAVE JU/ VACAT$4 ,?US LONG CONVOYS ( CONFUS$LY PIL$-UP ROCKS ACCOMPANY ! GLACI] ON ITS C\RSE 2 /REAMS ( /ONES >E ADD$ TO ! /REAM  ( ICE DESC5D+ FROM EV]Y RU9$ HEI<T1 FROM EV]Y  CIRQUE FURR[$ BY AVALAN*ES4  

,:5 IT HAS REA*$ ! \TLET ( ! UPP] GORGES1  SITUAT$ 9 ! REGIONS ( A MILD] TEMP]ATURE1 ! GLACI] CANNOT RETA9 ITS CRY/ALL9E CONDITION 2 IT ?AWS &  BECOMES WAT]1 ALL[+ ITS BURD5 ( /ONES TO DROP4  ,ALL ?IS DEBRIS ROLLS D[N 9 GROSS CONFUSION1 =M+ A  DAM 9 ! VALLEY4 ,AT ! EXTREMITY ( MANY A GLACI]  !RE >E POSITIVE M\NTA9S ( CRUMBL+ /ONES ON !  LOOSELY BUILT-UP SLOPES4 ,AFT] A LONG C\RSE ( YE>S  AB\ND+ 9 SN[1 ! MASS ( ! GLACI] SWELLS &  L5G!NS1 UNTIL IT IS OBLIG$ TO PICK UP !SE M\NTA9S  ( /ONES ONCE MORE & TO PU% !M A LITTLE F>!R  D[N 9TO ! VALLEY4 ,LAT] ON1 :5 UND] ! 9FLU5CE ( A S(T] TEMP]ATURE ( W9T]S1 :5 ! SN[  IS LESS PR(USE1 ALL ! L[] P>T ( ! GLACI] WILL MELT1  LEAV+ B>E ! BAS9 ( ROCKS :I* S]V$ AS ITS B$ 2  ! 0 MORA9E0 ( B\LD]S1 DELIV]$ FROM ! PRESSURE  :I* PU%$ IT =W>D1 WILL REMA9 ISOLAT$ AT A C]TA9  DI/ANCE FROM ! GLACI] 2 BEH9D IT WILL BE VISIBLE !  B>E POLI%$ /ONE1 RUBB$ SMOO? BY ! 5ORM\S  WEI<T SO LATELY MOV+ OV] IT1 & H]E & !RE  COV]$ BY A R$DI%-HU$ MUD1 PRODUC$ BY ! CRU%+ ( ! PEBBLES & GRAVEL C>RI$ AWAY4 ,ANO!R  MORA9E ( HEAP$-UP DEBRIS WILL BE =M$ LITTLE BY LITTLE 9 FRONT ( ! TALUS ( ! GLACI]4  

,?US1 !N1 AT 5ORM\S DI/ANCES AHEAD ( ! VALLEY1  = MILES & T5S ( MILES1 9DISPUTABLE TRACES ( !  =M] ACTION ( ! ICE >E TO BE SE54 ,:OLE PLA9S1  ONCE FILL$ ) WAT]1 HAVE BE5 GRADUALLY OV]:ELM$  ) MUD & PEBBLES PU%$ ON BE=E IT BY ! GLACI] 2 ! PROTUB]ANCES ( ! M\NTA9S & HILLS1 MET  ) 9 ITS C\RSE BY ! SOLID /REAM1 HAVE BE5 WORN  & POLI%$ 2 F9ALLY1 SCATT]$ ROCKS & MORA9ES HAVE  BE5 DEPOSIT$ EV5 AS F> AWAY AS ! SLOPES ( M\NTA9S BELONG+ TO O!R GR\PS4 ,! ORIG9 ( !SE  /ONES IS EASILY RECOGNIZ$ BY !IR *EMICAL COMPOSITION1  ! >RANGEM5T ( !IR CRY/ALS OR !IR FOSSILS2 FREQU5TLY EV5 !IR DI/9CTIVE *>ACT]S >E SO PRECISE  AS TO 5ABLE US TO PO9T \T UPON ! M\NTA9 ITSELF !  ELEVAT$ CIRQUE :5CE ! MISS+ BLOCK HAS BE5 DETA*$4 ,= H[ MANY YE>S OR C5TURIES HAS ! VOYAGE LA/$8 ,V]Y MANY1 NO D\BT1 IF WE JUDGE BY !  BIG ROCKS :I* ! ACTUAL GLACI]S C>RY AWAY1 & :OSE  PROGRESS HAS BE5 MEASUR$4 ,AMONG !SE TRAVEL+  BLOCKS >E SOME :I* SCI5TIFIC M5 HAVE R5D]$  FAM\S BY !IR OBS]VATIONS1 & :I* WE LOVE TO SEE  AGA9 AS IF !Y W]E FRI5DS4  

,!SE /ONES CA/ 9TO ! PLA9S1 !SE ACCUMULATIONS  ( MUD TRANSPORT$ TO A GREAT DI/ANCE1 ALL !SE TRACES  LEFT BY ! ANCI5T GLACI]S' SOJ\RN1 P]MIT US TO IMAG9E  :AT HAVE BE5 ! GREAT ALT]NATIONS ( ! CLIMATE1 &  ! IMM5SE MODIFICATIONS 9 ! EXT]IOR & ASPECT (  ! E>? DUR+ ! SUCCESSIVE AGES ( ! PLANET4 ,9  ?AT PA/1 REVEAL$ TO US BY !SE REMA9S1 WE SEE \R  M\NTA9 & ITS NEI<BORS RIS+ UP ABOVE !IR ACTUAL  SUMMITS4 ,! SUPREME PEAKS PASS$ BEYOND ! HI<E/  CL\DS1 & ALL ! VAPORS TRAVEL+ ?R\< SPACE DEPOSIT$ !MSELVES AS SN[ OR FROZ5 CRY/ALS UPON !  SLOPES ( ! 5ORM\S MASS 2 ! PA/URES1 ! V]DANT  VALLEYS1 ! N[ WOOD$ SLOP+ SIDES1 W]E COV]$ BY A  UNI=M LAY] ( ICE4 ,!N NEI!R CASCADES1 LAKES1 RIVULETS1 NOR MEAD[S HAD MADE !IR APPE>ANCE 9 ! VALLEY4 ,! IMM5SE FROZ5 /REAM1 NOT LESS ?ICK ?AN >E  N[ ! /RATA ( ! M\NTA9S1 TILL$ UP ALL ! DEPRESSIONS 2 !N1 ON ISSU+ FROM ! GORGES1 /RET*$ ITSELF  F> AWAY 9TO ! PLA9S1 BEL[ HILLS & DALES4 ,SU*1 9  \R =EFA!RS' TIMES1 WAS ! IMAGE PRES5T$ TO !M  BY ! ICE-LAD5 M\NTA9 2 = \R SONS' GR&SONS1 9 !  REMOTE UNC]TA9TY ( C5TURIES1 ! SC5E WILL AGA9 BE  *ANG$4 ,P]HAPS ! GLACI]1 !N COMPLETELY ?AW$1  WILL BE REPLAC$ BY A FEEBLE RIVULET 2 ! M\NTA91 WILL  HAVE CEAS$ TO EXI/ 2 A SLI<T RISE 9 ! GR\ND WILL  M>K ITS =M] SITE 2 & ! ACTUAL PLA91 TURN$ TOPSYTURVY BY ! ALT]ATIONS 9 ITS LEVEL1 WILL HAVE GIV5 BIR?  TO HEI<TS GRADUALLY GR[+ UP 9TO ! SKIES 6  

,& :ILE WE MUSE UPON ! HI/ORY ( ! M\NTA9  & ITS GLACI]1 :AT !Y W]E1 & :AT !Y WILL ONE  DAY BECOME1 YOND] IS ! LITTLE TORR5T MURMUR+ AS IT  ISSUES FROM ! ICE1 & GO+ =? 9TO ! WORLD TO  WORK AT ! TASK ( CONT9UALLY R5EW+ ! E>?4 ,!  WAT]1 R5D]$ :ITE OR MILKY BY ! 9NUM]ABLE MOLECULES ( TRITURAT$ ROCK :I* IT BE>S SUSP5D$1 IS NEI!R MORE NOR LESS ?AN ! GLACI] ITSELF SUDD5LY TRANS=M$ 9TO A LIQUID /ATE 2 & YET :AT A CONTRA/ BETWE5 ! SOLID MASS ) ITS CREVICES1 ITS CAVES1 ITS PILES  ( /ONES1 ITS MUDDY SLOPES1 & ! WAT] GAILY BUR/+  =? 9TO DAYLI<T1 & BABBL+ AS IT W9DS AMID !  FL[]S 6 ,?AT SUDD5 APP>ITION ( ! /REAM1 :I*  DUR+ ALL ITS UPP] C\RSE HAS MOV$ ALONG 9 D>KNESS1  SWELL+ AS IT GOES BY ! ADDITION ( MILLIONS ( LITTLE  DROPS FALL+ FROM ! CLEFTS 9 ! VAULT1 IS ONE ( !  MO/ CURI\S SPECTACLES 9 ! M\NTA94 ,! CAV]N  :5CE ! CURR5T ESCAPES *ANGES ITS =M EV]Y DAY  ACCORD+ TO ! FALL+ & MELT+ ( ! ICE 2 YET ORD9>ILY IT IS EASY TO P5ETRATE TO A C]TA9 DI/ANCE 9SIDE  ! GROTTO1 & TO ADMIRE ITS P5DANTS1 ITS TRANSLUC5T  WALLS1 ! BLUI% LI<T1 ! *ANG+ REFLECTIONS4 ,!  /RANG5ESS ( ! SI<T1 ! VAGUE APPREH5SION ?AT  OV]COMES \R SPIRIT1 LEADS US TO IMAG9E ?AT WE >E  TRANSPORT$ 9TO A SACR$ PLACE4 0 ,?REE TIMES & A  ?\S& TIMES BLESS$ 0 ?OSE ,H9DU PILGRIMS BELIEVE  !MSELVES TO BE1 :O1 AFT] HAV+ REASC5D$ ! ,GANGES AS F> AS ITS S\RCE1 >E ALSO P]MITT$ TO P5ETRATE  B5EA? ! GLOOMY VAULT :5CE ! HOLY RIV] %OOTS  =?4  

,! GLACIAL TORR5TS BR+ 9TO ! PLA9S1 ) GREAT  REGUL>ITY1 DEP5D5T UPON ?AT ( ! SEASON1 ! F]TILIZ+ WAT] & ! ALLUVIAL MUD >IS+ FROM ?AT 5ORM\S LABORATORY ( TRITURATION 9CESSANTLY AT WORK B5EA? ! GLACI]4 ,DUR+ ! COLD SEASON ( \R TEMP]ATE ZONES1 :5 ! RA9S FALL MO/ FREQU5TLY UPON  ! FIELDS1 &1 9/EAD ( EVAPORAT+1 F9D !IR WAY T[>DS ! RIV]S1 ! GLACI] BECOMES MORE COMPACTLY  FROZ51 ADH]ES EV]Y:]E TO ! VAULT S]V+ AS ITS  B$1 & M]ELY ALL[S ! FEEBLE/ LITTLE RILL TO ESCAPE4  ,SOMETIMES EV5 IT DRIES UP ALTOGE!R2 NOT A DROP (  WAT] DESC5DS FROM ! M\NTA94 ,BUT 9 PROPORTION  AS ! W>M? RETURNS & ! GLAD VEGETATION DEM&S  A GREAT] QUANTITY ( WAT] = ITS FL[]S1 9 PROPORTION  AS EVAPORATION BECOMES MORE ACTIVE & ! LEVEL ( !  RIV]S T5DS TO FALL1 ! TORR5TS ( ! GLACI]S SWELL1 !Y  >E TEMPOR>ILY *ANG$ 9TO RIV]S & FURNI% ! NECESS>Y MOI/URE TO ! ?IR/Y FIELDS4 ,?US IS E/ABLI%$  A BALANCE MO/ ADVANTAGE\S = ! PROSP]ITY ( !  C\NTRIES IRRIGAT$ BY WAT]C\RSES :I* >E P>TIALLY  F$ BY GLACI]S4 ,:51 SWOLL5 BY RA91 ! TRIBUT>Y /REAMS OV]FL[1 ! M\NTA9 TORR5TS BR+ BUT A SMALL  LIQUID /REAM 2 !Y1 ON ! O!R H&1 OV]FL[ :5  ! O!R RIV]S >E ALMO/ DRY4 ,?ANKS TO ?IS LAW (  ADJU/M5T1 A C]TA9 EQUALITY IS MA9TA9$ 9 ! RIV]  :]E9 ALL ! DIV]SE WAT]C\RSES UNITE4  

,9 ! G5]AL ECONOMY ( ! E>?1 ! GLACI]1 APP>5TLY MOTIONLESS1 ALWAYS SO SL[ & CALM 9 ITS ACTION1  IS A GREAT ELEM5T ( ORGANIZATION4 ,R>ELY DOES IT 9TRODUCE ANY DI/URBANCE 9TO NATURE4 ,SU* A ?+ MAY  HAPP51 AS1 = 9/ANCE1 :5 A LAT]AL GLACI]1 PU%+  A L>GE M\ND ( DEBRIS1 OR ADVANC+ ALONE ACROSS A  /REAM :I* ISSU$ FROM ! PRIM>Y GLACI]1 GA!RS  TOGE!R ! WAT]S FL[+ FROM IT1 & ?US =MS A  CON/ANTLY 9CREAS+ LAKE4 ,= A LONG TIME ! DAM  RESI/S ! PRESSURE ( ! LIQUID MASS1 BUT1 AFT] A CONSID]ABLE MELT+ ( ! SN[1 A RECOIL ( ! GLACI]1  =M+ A DAM1 OR ( ! DEBLAIS1 SL[LY PRODUC$ BY !  WAT]1 IT IS QUITE POSSIBLE ?AT ! B>RI] ( ICE & ACCUMULAT$ B\LD]S MAY SUDD5LY GIVE WAY4 ,!N !  LAKE BREAKS LOOSE AS A T]RIBLE AVALAN*E 3 ! WAT]1 MIX$  ) /ONES1 ) BLOCKS ( ICE1 & ALL ! DEBRIS TORN  FROM ITS %ORES1 RU%ES FURI\SLY D[N 9TO ! L[]  VALLEY2 IT C>RIES AWAY BRIDGES1 DE/ROYS MILLS1 RAZES !  H\SES ON ITS BANKS1 WA%ES AWAY ! TREES ON ! L[]  SLOPES1 & LAYS B>E ! V]Y MEAD[S AS W\LD A HUGE  PL[%>E1 ROLL+ !M ALL ON BE=E IT1 & MIX+@5  !M UP 9 ! *AOS ( ITS DELUGE4 ,= ?OSE VALLEYS  ?R\< :I* ! 9UNDATION SWEEPS ! DISA/] IS  5ORM\S1 & ITS /ORY IS H&$ D[N FROM G5]ATION TO G5]ATION4  

,BUT !SE >E V]Y R>E EV5TS1 & EV51 9 CIVILIZ$  C\NTRIES1 BECOM+ IMPOSSIBLE 9 FUTURE2 = ! M5AC$ POPULATION TAKES C>E TO ANTICIPATE ! DANG] BY  DIGG+ SUBT]RANEAN \TLETS = ! LACU/R9E RES]VOIRS  =M$ BEH9D A %IFT+ DAM ( ICE OR /ONES4 ,?US  KEPT )9 B\NDS1 ! GLACI] CONT9UES TO BE ! B5EFACTOR ( ! REGIONS SITUAT$ 9 ! C\RSE ( ITS WAT]S4  ,IT IS ! GLACI] ?AT IRRIGATES !M DUR+ ?OSE SEASONS  :5 !Y W\LD HAVE MORE CAUSE TO DREAD ! EFFECTS (  DR\<T ! GLACI] ?AT R5EWS !M BY ITS CONTRIBUTIONS ( VEGETABLE MOLD1 /ILL QUITE FRE%1 & FULL ( ITS  NUTRITIVE *EMICAL ELEM5TS4 ,! GLACI] IS 9 REALITY A  LAKE1 A SEA ( FRE% WAT]1 CONTA9+ HUNDR$S ( ?\S&S ( CUBIC Y>DS 2 BUT ?IS LAKE1 SUSP5D$ ON !  SIDE ( ! M\NTA91 MAKES ITS ESCAPE SL[LY1 & AS  IF BY RULE4 ,IT %UTS UP WAT] 5\< TO 9UNDATE ALL !  L[] C\NTRIES1 BUT IT IS DISCREET 9 DEAL+ \T ITS TREASURES4 ,?US ?IS FROZ5 MASS1 ) ITS DEA?-LIKE ASPECT1  RA!R ADDS TO ! LIFE & F]TILITY ( ! E>?4  

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,B,Y ITS SN[ & MELT+ ICE1 :I* S]VE TO SWELL !  TORR5TS & RIV]S DUR+ ! SUMM]1 ! M\NTA9  SU/A9S VEGETATION AT 5ORM\S DI/ANCES FROM ITS BASE1  BUT IT KEEPS BACK PL5TY ( MOI/URE TO N\RI% ITS [N  GR[? ( =E/S1 GRASS1 & MOSS1 SO V]Y SUP]IOR 9  ! NUMB] ( ITS SPECIES TO ?AT ( A SIMIL> EXT5T (  PLA9S4 ,FROM BEL[ \R EYES CANNOT DI/+UI% ! DETAILS ( ! PICTURE (F]$ BY ! V]DURE ( ! M\NTA91 BUT IT EMBRACES ! MAGNIFIC5T 5SEMBLE1 & 5JOYS ! ?\S& CONTRA/S :I* ! ELEVATION1 ! ACCID5TS ( ! GR\ND1 ! 9CL9E ( ! SLOPES1 ! ABUNDANCE ( WAT]1 ! VIC9ITY ( ! SN[1 & ALL ! O!R  PHYSICAL CONDITIONS PRODUCE 9 VEGETATION4  

,9 SPR+1 :5 ALL NATURE IS REG5]AT$1 IT IS DELI<TFUL TO SEE ! GRE5 ( ! GRASS & FOLIAGE PREVAIL OV]  ! :IT5ESS ( ! SN[4 ,! BLADES ( GRASS1 :I*  CAN BREA! AGA91 & ONCE MORE SEE LI<T1 LOSE !IR R$  T9T & *>R$ APPE>ANCE 2 !Y FIR/ ASSUME A :ITI%  YELL[1 !N A BEAUTIFUL GRE54 ,MULTITUDES ( FL[]S  /UD ! MEAD[S 2 H]E NO?+ BUT RANUNCULUS1 ELSE:]E ANEMONES OR PRIMROSES1 SPR+ UP 9 CLU/]S2 F>!R AWAY ! V]DURE DISAPPE>S B5EA? ! SN[Y  :ITE ( ! GRACEFUL N>CISSUS ( ! POETS OR ! LILAC ( ! CROCUS1 :I* IS NO?+ BUT FL[] FROM ROOT TO  ! TIP ( ! COROLLA 2 BY ! WAT]'S SIDE ! P>NASSIA  OP5S ITS DELICATE CALYX2 H]E & !RE T9Y BLUE &  :ITE1 P9K OR YELL[ FL[]ETS >E CR[D$ TOGE!R 9  SU* GREAT NUMB]S ?AT !Y IMP>T !IR HUES TO !  :OLE ( ! GRASSY SLOPE1 SO ?AT AS FA/ AS ! SN[ RETIRES T[>DS ! HEI<TS BE=E ! BLOOM+1 V]DANT  C>PET1 WE CAN RECOGNIZE FROM ! OPPOSITE DECLIVITIES  :I* SPECIES ( PLANT PR$OM9ATES 9 ! MEAD[4  ,SOON ! TREES1 ALSO1 TAKE P>T 9 ! F@5TE4 ,BEL[1 ON  ! FIR/ SLOPES1 !RE >E FRUIT-TREES1 :I* 9 A FEW  WEEKS' #a TIUIE1 AFT] HAV+ FRE$ !MSELVES FROM !  W9T]'S SN[1 >E COV]$ ) ?AT ( ANO!R K9D1 !  SN[ ( !IR BLOSSOMS4 ,HI<] UP ! *E/NUTS1 !  BEE*ES1 ! V>I\S %RUBS1 >E CLAD ) !IR T5D]  GRE5 LEAVES2 FROM DAY TO DAY ! M\NTA9 SEEMS TO  BE FRE%LY CLO!D ) A WONDR\S TISSUE1 9 :I* SILK  & VELVET BL5D4 ,LITTLE BY LITTLE ?IS Y\?FUL V]DURE  ( =E/S & HEA?S ADVANCES TO ! SUMMIT 2 IT ASC5DS  BY ! VALLEYS & RAV9ES1 AS IF TO SCALE & CONQU] !  SUPREME HEI<TS AMID ! ICE4 ,UP !RE EV]Y?+ ASSUMES AN UNEXPECT$ ASPECT ( GLADNESS4 ,EV5 ! D>K  ROCKS1 LOOK+ BLACK BY CONTRA/ ) ! SN[1 ADORN  ! IRREGUL>ITIES ( !IR SURFACE ) T9Y TUFTS ( GRE54  ,!Y1 TOO1 TAKE P>T 9 ! SPR+-TIME GAIETY4  

,AL?\< LESS SUMPTU\S 9 ! EXUB]ANCE ( !IR  V]DURE & ! PRODIGI\S MULTITUDE ( !IR FL[]S1  ! ELEVAT$ PA/URES >E MORE LOVELY ?AN ! MEAD[S  BEL[ 2 !IR SW>D IS S(T]1 MORE FAMILI> 9 ITS GAIETY4  ,WE CAN WALK )\T ANY EX]TION ON ! %ORT TURF1 &  IT IS EASI] TO BECOME ACQUA9T$ ) ! FL[]S SPR++ UP 9 MYRIADS AMONG ! TUFTS ( V]DURE4 ,!RE4  

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TOO1 ! BRILLIANCY ( ! COROLLAS IS 9COMP>ABLE 2 !RE  ! SUN D>TS ITS MO/ SCOR*+ RAJS ) MORE P[]FUL & MORE RAPID *EMICAL ACTION 2 9 ! SAP IT ELABORATES COLOR+ SUB/ANCES ( ! MO/ P]FECT BEAUTY4  ,>M$ ) !IR MICROSCOPES1 ! BOTANI/ & PHYSICIAN DULY SATISFY !MSELVES AS TO ! PH5OM5ON 2 BUT1  )\T !SE 9/RUM5TS1 ! SIMPLE P$E/RIAN CAN EASILY P]CEIVE ) HIS NAK$ EYE ?AT ! BLUE ( NO FL[]  9 ! PLA9 EQUALS ! DEEP C]ULEAN HUE ( ! LITTLE  G5TIAN4 ,EAG] TO LIVE & TO 5JOY1 ! PLANTS MAKE  !MSELVES AS BEAUTIFUL AS POSSIBLE4 ,!Y DON ! MO/  VIVID HUES1 = ! SEASON ( GLADNESS WILL BE %ORT4  ,:5 ! SUMM] HAS SWIFTLY FL$1 DEA? WILL OV]TAKE  !M4 4  

,\R SI<T IS DAZZL$ ) ! RADIANCY PRES5T$ BY  WIDE PAT*ES ( TURF /UDD$ ) ! VIVID P9K />S  ( ! CAT*-FLY1 ! BLUE CLU/]S ( ! MYOSOTIS1 ! BIG  GOLD5-HE>T$ FL[]S ( ! ALP9E A/]S4 ,UPON !  DRIE/ SLOPES1 AMONG >ID ROCKS1 GR[S ! BLACK OR*IS1  ) ITS P]FUME ( VANILLA1 & ! 0 LION'S-FOOT10 :OSE  FL[] NEV] FADES1 & = LOV]S REMA9S A SYMBOL (  ET]NAL LOVE4  

,AMONG !SE PLANTS1 ) !IR BRILLIANT BLOOM1 !RE  >E SOME :I* >E NOT 9 ! LEA/ AFRAID EI!R ( !  SN[ OR ! FROZ5 WAT]4 ,!Y >E NOT AT ALL *ILLY 2  CLOSE BESIDE ! CRY/ALS ( ! SN[-BANK ! FL[ ( !  SAP CIRCULATES FREELY ?R\< ! TISSUES ( ! DELICATE  SOLDANELLA1 AS IT B5DS ITS T5D]1 PURE-HU$ COROLLA OV]  ! SN[4 ,:5 ! SUN %9ES1 WE MAY SAY ( IT1 )  MORE REASON ?AN ( ! PALM-TREE 9 ! OASIS1 ?AT ITS  FOOT IS 9 ICE & ITS HEAD 9 FIRE4 ,EV5 AT ! \TLET (  ! SN[1 ! TORR5T1 :OSE MILKY WAT] SEEMS TO BE COMPOS$ ( B>ELY MELT$ ICE1 FOLDS 9 ITS >MS A BLOOM+ ISLET1 A *>M+ B\QUET1 ) EV]-%IV]+ /EMS4  ,F>!R ON ! B$ ( SN[1 %IELD$ FROM ! SUN'S RAYS  BY ! %AD[ ( ! ROCK1 IS DOTT$ ALL OV] ) FL[]S2 ! S(T TEMP]ATURE :I* !Y %$ HAS ?AW$  ! SURR\ND+ ICE2 !Y SEEM TO SPR+ FROM A CRY/AL  *ALICE :OSE BASE ! %AD[ HAS DY$ BLUE4 ,O!R  MORE S5SITIVE FL[]S D>E NOT UND]GO IMM$IATE CONTACT ) ! SN[1 BUT TAKE C>E TO SURR\ND !MSELVES  ) A S(T ROBE ( MOSS2 !Y >E LIKE RUBIES REPOS+  UPON A GRE5 -VELVET CU%ION 9 ! C5T] ( A :ITE  D[NY B$4  

,=E/S ALT]NATE ) ! GRASSY SURFACE ON ! M\NTA9'S SIDES1 BUT NOT AT HAPHAZ>D4 ,! PRES5CE ( BIG  TREES ALWAYS 9DICATES SUFFICI5TLY DEEP VEGETABLE MOLD  & ABUNDANCE ( WAT] = IRRIGATION UPON ! SLOPES  :I* PRODUCE !M 2 ?US1 ?ANKS TO ! DI/RIBUTION (  =E/S & PA/URES1 WE CAN READ FROM AF> SOME ( !  M\NTA9'S SECRETS1 PROVID$1 AT LEA/1 ?AT MAN HAS NOT  RUDELY 9T]F]$ BY HEW+ D[N ! TREES & MODIFY+ ! ASPECT ( ! HEI<TS4 ,!RE >E :OLE REGIONS  :]E MAN1 GRE$Y TO 5RI* HIMSELF1 HAS CUT D[N EV]Y  TREE 2 NOT EV5 A /UMP REMA9S1 = ! W9T]'S SN[1  NO LONG] >RE/$ BY ! LIV+ B>RI]1 CAN H5CE=?  SLIDE FREELY D[N DUR+ ! SEASON ( ! AVALAN*ES 2  IT D5UDES ! GR\ND1 PLANES IT AWAY TO ! ROCK1 DRAGG+ ) IT ALL ! REMA9S ( ! ROOTS4  

,! ANCI5T FEEL+ ( V5]ATION HAS ALMO/ DISAPPE>$4 ,=M]LY ! WOODCUTT] NEV] APPROA*$ A  =E/ )\T DREAD2 ! W9D :I* HE HE>D SI<+  WAS = HIM AS ! VOICE ( ! GODS 2 SUP]NATURAL BE+S W]E CONCEAL$ B5EA? ! OAK1 & ! SAP ( ! TREE WAS EQUALLY DIV9E BLOOD4 ,:5 OBLIG$ TO LAY !  AX TO ! TRUNKS1 HE DID IT 9 TREMBL+3 0,IF ?\ >T A  GOD1 IF ?\ >T A GODDESS10 W\LD SAY ! ,AP5N9E  M\NTA9E] 0 IF ?\ >T A GOD1 P>DON ME 20 & HE  W\LD REPEAT ! PRAY]S ORDA9$ 2 BUT WAS HE REASSUR$  AFT] !SE G5UFLECTIONS 8  

,:ILE SW++ HIS AX1 HE SAW ! BRAN*ES WAVE TO  & FRO ABOVE HIS HEAD 2 ! WR9KLES ( ! B>K APPE>$ TO ASSUME AN ANGRY EXPRESSION1 TO BE ANIMAT$  BY A T]RIBLE GLANCE2 AT ! FIR/ BL[ ! MOI/ WOOD  MI<T HAVE BE5 ! ROSY FLE% ( A NYMPH4 0 ,NO D\BT  ! PRIE/ HAS SANCTION$1 BUT :AT WILL ! DIV9ITY SAY 8  ,WILL NOT ! AX SUDD5LY REB\ND1 & PLUNGE 9TO !  BODY ( HIM :O WIELDS IT 80  

,SOME TREES >E /ILL WOR%IP$ 2 ! M\NTA9E] DOES  NOT KN[ :Y1 & DOES NOT LIKE TO BE 9T]ROGAT$ ON  ?AT PO9T2 BUT /ILL1 9 MANY PLACES1 WE SEE OAKS RESPECT$ BY ! 9HABITANTS1 :O HAVE SURR\ND$ !M  ) PAL+S1 TO PROTECT !M AGA9/ ANIMALS & W&]+ TRAVEL]S4 ,9 ANCI5T ,BRITTANY1 :5 A MAN WAS  9 DANG] ( DEA?1 & NO PRIE/ WAS TO BE F\ND 9 !  VIC9ITY1 HE MI<T MAKE HIS CONFESSION AT ! FOOT ( A  TREE 2 ! BRAN*ES HE>D1 & !IR RU/L+ BORE ! DY+ MAN'S LA/ PRAY] TO HEAV54  

,ALL ! SAME1 IF H]E & !RE SOME V5]ABLE TRUNK  IS RESPECT$1 9 MEMORY ( OLD5 TIMES1 ! =E/ ITSELF  NO LONG] 9SPIRES HOLY T]ROR2 9 \R DAYS ! WOODCUTT]S DO NOT /& UPON SU* C]EMONY AS !IR ANCE/ORS1 ESPECIALLY :5 NOT MAK+ AN ONSLAU<T ON WOODS  S]V+ AS A B>RI] AGA9/ AVALAN*ES4 ,IT IS SUFFICI5T  = !M IF ONLY !Y CAN CULTIVATE ! TREES 9 A PR(ITABLE MANN] 2 ?AT IS TO SAY1 GA9 MORE BY ! SALE ( ! TIMB] ?AN !Y HAVE TO EXP5D ON CUTT+ D[N &  TRANSPORT+ IT4 ,NUMB]S ( =E/S /ILL /& 9 !IR  PRIMEVAL VIRG9 /ATE1 [+ TO ! DIFFICULTY ! CULTIVATOR F9DS 9 REA*+ !M & S5D+ AWAY ! CUTD[N TREES4 ,BUT :5 ! MEANS ( ACCESS >E EASY1  :5 ! M\NTA9S (F] GOOD SLIDES D[N :I*1 )  ONE S+LE PU%1 HUNDR$S ( Y>DS ( DISMANTL$ TRUNKS  CAN BE S5T 2 :51 AT ! FOOT ( ! SLOPE1 ! TORR5T  9 ! VALLEY IS /RONG 5\< TO C>RY ! TREES 9 RAFTS  AS F> AS ! PLA9S1 OR TO BE ABLE TO TURN P[]FUL ME*ANICAL SAWS1 !N ! =E/S RUN GREAT RISK ( BE+  ATTACK$ BY WOOD-CUTT]S4 ,IF !Y CULTIVATE 9TELLIG5TLY1  IF !Y C>EFULLY REGULATE !IR CUTT+ 9 SU* A MANN]  AS ALWAYS TO LEAVE H>VE/S ( WOOD /&+ = ! FOLL[+ YE>S1 & TO DEVELOP 9 ! =E/ GR\ND !  GREATE/ POSSIBLE P[] ( PRODUCTION1 MAN HAS BUT TO  CONGRATULATE HIMSELF UPON ! NEW RI*ES HE OBTA9S4  ,BUT :5 HE HEWS D[N & DE/ROYS ! :OLE =E/  AT ONE BL[1 AS IF SEIZ$ ) A FIT ( FR5ZY1 IS NOT ONE  TEMPT$ TO CURSE 8  

,! BEAUTY ( ! =E/S /ILL LEFT TO US UPON !  M\NTA9 SLOPES MAKES US REGRET ALL ! MORE ?OSE (  :I* VIOL5T SPECULATORS HAVE ROBB$ US4 ,UPON !  FIR/ SLOPES1 NE> ! PLA9S1 CLUMPS ( *E/NUTS HAVE  BE5 SP>$1 ?ANKS TO !IR LEAVES1 :I* ! PEASANTS  COLLECT = !IR CATTLE'S LITT]1 & TO !IR FRUIT1 :I*  ! PEOPLE !MSELVES EAT ( A W9T]'S EV5+4 ,FEW  =E/S1 EV5 9 ! TROPICAL REGIONS1 :]E WE SEE TREES  ( ! MO/ DIV]SE NATURES ALT]NATE1 PRES5T GREAT]  PICTURESQU5ESS & V>IETY ?AN DO *E/NUT-WOODS4 ,!  TURF-CLAD SLOPES EXT5D$ AT ! FOOT ( ! TREES >E SUFFICI5TLY CLE> FROM BRU%WOOD TO P]MIT MANY VIEWS B5EA? ! SPREAD+ BRAN*ES TO BE FREELY OP5$ \T BE=E \R GAZE4 ,9 MANY PLACES ! V]DANT VAULT ALL[S  ! LI<T ( HEAV5 TO PASS ?R\<2 ! GRAY ( !  %AD[S & ! S(T YELL[ ( ! RAYS NICK] ) !  MOTION ( ! FOLIAGE 2 ! MOSSES & LI*5S COV]+  ! R\< B>K ) !IR MANTLE ADD TO ! SWEETNESS (  !SE FUGITIVE LI<TS & %AD[S4 ,! TREES !MSELVES  EI!R RISE UP SOLIT>ILY OR 9 GR\PS ( TWO OR ?REE1 DIFF]+ 9 =M & ASPECT4 ,ALMO/ ALL1 BY ! GROOVES  9 !IR B>K & ! SPREAD+ ( !IR B\<S1 SEEM TO  HAVE BE5 SUBJECT$ TO A SORT ( TWI/+ FROM LEFT TO  RI<T 2 BUT :ILE SOME POSSESS TOL]ABLY SMOO? BOLES &  REGUL>LY BIFURCAT$ BRAN*ES1 O!RS DISPLAY CURI\S PROTUB]ANCES1 KNOTS1 EXCRESC5CES1 /RANGELY ADORN$ )  TUFTS ( LEAVES4 ,!RE >E OLD TREES1 ) 5ORM\S TRUNKS1  :I* HAVE LO/ ALL !IR BIG BRAN*ES B5EA? ! VIOL5CE ( /ORMS1 & HAVE REPLAC$ !M BY LITTLE TWIGS  PO9T$ LIKE SPE>S 2 O!RS HAVE RETA9$ !IR B\<S1  BUT HAVE DECAY$ 9T]NALLY2 TIME HAS GNAW$ AWAY  !IR /EMS BY HOLL[+ \T DEEP CAVITIES2 SOMETIMES  NO?+ IS LEFT BUT A SIMPLE %ELL ( WOOD1 COV]$ )  B>K1 TO BE> ! :OLE WEI<T ( ! UPP] GR[?4  ,H]E & !RE1 TOO1 UPON ! GR\ND WE NOTICE ! REMA9S ( A BOLE ( MI<TY DIM5SIONS 2 ! TREE ITSELF HAS  DISAPPE>$1 BUT ALL >\ND ?IS VEGETABLE RU9 *E/NUTTREES GR[ S+LY1 :I* W]E =M]LY UNIT$ 9 ! GIGANTIC COLONNADE1 & >E N[ ISOLAT$1 %RUNK51 LIMIT$ TO !IR MEAG] 9DIVIDUALITY4 ,?US ! =E/ (F]S  ! GREATE/ V>IETY 2 SIDE BY SIDE ) WELL-GR[N TREES1  SUP]B 9 ASPECT & MAJE/IC 9 C>RIAGE1 >E GR\PS  :OSE S+UL> =MS EVOKE BE=E \R IMAG9ATION !  MON/]S ( FABLES OR DREAMS4  

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,F> LESS V>I$ 9 !IR MANN]S >E ! BEE*ES1 :I*  DELI<T 9 =M+ A =E/ AS MU* AS DO ! *E/NUTS4  ,ALMO/ ALL >E UPRI<T AS COLUMNS1 & LONG OP5 SPACES  BETWE5 !IR %AFTS ALL[ \R GAZE TO EXT5D F> AWAY4  ,! BEE*ES >E SMOO? ) RADIANT B>K & LI*5S 2  ONLY AT ! BOTTOM >E !Y CLAD ) GRE5 MOSS 2 LITTLE  TUFTS ( LEAVES H]E & !RE ADORN ! L[] P>T (  ! /EM 2 BUT IT IS AB\T FIFTE5 Y>DS ABOVE ! GR\ND  ?AT ! BRAN*ES BEG9 TO SPREAD \T & UNITE TREE TO  TREE 9 ONE CONT9U$ VAULT1 PI]C$ BY P>ALLEL RAYS NECK+ ! GR\ND4 ,! =E/'S ASPECT IS SEV]E1 YET HOSPITABLE 2 A S(T LI<T COMPOS$ ( ALL !SE RADIANT CLU/]S1  DY$ GRE5 BY ! REFLECTIONS ( ! LEAVES1 FILLS ! AV5UE & BL5DS ) !IR GLOOM1 PRODUC+ A VAGUE A%5-HU$ DAY1 VOID ( ALL FLA%ES ( LI<T & YET ( ALL  D>KNESS4 ,9 ?IS LI<T WE CAN CLE>LY DI/+UI% EV]Y?+ LIV+ AT ! FOOT ( !SE GREAT TREES3 ! CREEP+ 9SECTS1 ! T9Y WAV+ FL[]S1 ! FUNGI & MOSSES C>PET+ ! SOIL & ROOTS 2 BUT UPON ! TREES !MSELVES ! :ITE OR GOLD5-YELL[ LI*5S & RAYS >E  M+L$ 9 CONFUSION4 ,! BEE* =E/ CON/ANTLY  *ANGES ITS ASPECT1 ACCORD+ TO ! SEASON4 ,:5 AUTUMN COMES1 ITS FOLIAGE IS T9T$ ) A DIV]SITY ( HUES  :]E9 BR[N & R$ %ADES PR$OM9ATE 2 IT !N WI!RS & FALLS TO ! GR\ND1 COV]+ ?IS ) ?ICK B$S  ( DRI$ LEAVES1 QUIV]+ 9 ! LEA/ BREA? ( AIR4 ,!  SUNLI<T P5ETRATES FREELY 9TO ! =E/ BETWE5 ITS B>E  BRAN*ES1 BUT SO DO ! SN[ & FOG 2 ! WOOD REMA9S  SAD & MELAN*OLY UNTIL SPR+ >RIVES1 :5 ITS E>LY  FL[]S OP5 \T BESIDE ! FLAKES ( MELT+ SN[1 :5  ! BLU%+ BUDS SPREAD OV] ! BRAN*ES LIKE A VAGUE  GLEAM ( DAWN4  

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,! =E/ ( 4FIRS1 GR[+ AT ! SAME ELEVATION AS !  BEE*ES UPON ! M\NTA9'S SIDE1 BUT 9 A DIFF]5T SITUATION1 IS GLOOMY & =BIDD+ 9 A V]Y DISSIMIL> MANN]4 ,IT SEEMS TO BE GU>D+ SOME T]RIBLE SECRET2 DULL  NOISES ISSUE FROM ITS BRAN*ES1 !N DIE AWAY1 TO BE R5EW$ AGA9 LIKE ! DI/ANT MURMUR+ ( WAVES4 ,BUT  IT IS UP ABOVE1 AMONG ! B\<S1 ?AT ?IS NOISE IS PROPAGAT$ 2 BEL[ ALL IS CALM1 IMPASSIVE1 S9I/] 2 ! BRAN*ES1 LAD5 ) !IR D>K FOLIAGE1 B5D ALMO/ TO !  GR\ND2 WE %UDD] AS WE PASS B5EA? !SE GLOOMY  VAULTS4 ,:5 W9T] LOADS !IR /ALW>T B\<S )  SN[1 !Y WILL NOT GIVE WAY1 OR ALL[ MORE ?AN A SILV]Y DU/ TO FALL UPON ! SW>D4 ,ANY ONE W\LD SAY  ?AT !SE TREES POSSESS$ A T5ACI\S WILL1 ! MORE P[]FUL 9 ?AT !Y >E ALL DOM9AT$ BY ONE & ! SAME  IDEA4 ,:5 CLIMB+ UP ?R\< ! =E/ TO ! SUMMIT ( ! M\NTA91 WE SEE ?AT ! TREES HAVE TO MAKE  A GREAT] /RUGGLE TO KEEP !MSELVES ALIVE 9 ! *ILLY  ATMOSPH]E4 ,!IR B>K IS R\<]1 !IR TRUNKS LESS  /RAI<T1 !IR BRAN*ES MORE GN>L$1 !IR FOLIAGE H>D]1 LESS ABUNDANT2 !Y C\LD NOT RESI/ ! SN[1 !  TEMPE/S1 ! COLD1 SAVE = ! %ELT] :I* !Y  FURNI% ONE ANO!R2 ISOLAT$1 !Y W\LD P]I%2 UNIT$  AS A =E/1 !Y CONT9UE TO LIVE4 ,YET :51 ON ! SIDE  ( ! PEAK1 ! TREES =M+ ! FIR/ DEF5SIVE PALISADE  BEG9 TO GIVE WAY AT ANY ONE PO9T1 !IR NEI<BORS >E  SOON %AK5 & ?R[N D[N BY ! /ORM4 ,! =E/  PRES5TS ITSELF AS AN >MY1 PLAC+ ITS TREES 9 A R[ LIKE  SOLDI]S 9 BATTLE >RAY4 ,ONLY ONE OR TWO FIRS1 MORE ROBU/ ?AN ! RE/1 REMA9 9 FRONT LIKE *AMPIONS4 ,SECURELY AN*OR$ UPON ! ROCK1 RE/+ UPON !IR ?ICKSET LO9S1 COV]$ ) WR9KLES & KNOTS AS IF ) >RAOR1 !Y DEFY ! /ORM1 & H]E & !RE PR\DLY  %AKE !IR LITTLE PLUME ( LEAVES4 ,I SAW ONE ( !SE  H]OES :O HAD TAK5 POSSESSION ( AN ISOLAT$ PEAK1 &  !NCE OV]LOOK$ AN IMM5SE TRACT ( DALES & RAV9ES4  ,ITS ROOTS1 :I* ! V]Y %ALL[ VEGETABLE MOLD HAD  NOT BE5 ABLE TO COV]1 5VELOP$ ! ROCK = A GREAT  DI/ANCE2 CREEP+ & TORTU\S AS S]P5TS1 !Y UNITE  AGA9 9 A S+LE L[ GN>L$ TRUNK1 :I* SEEM$ TO TAKE  POSSESSION ( ! M\NTA94 ,! BRAN*ES ( ! /RUGGL+ TREE HAD BECOME CONTORT$ B5EA? ! EF=TS (  ! W9D 2 BUT1 FIRMLY UNIT$1 !Y CAN /ILL BRAVE ! ONSLAU<T ( A HUNDR$ TEMPE/S4  

,TREES WILL /ILL GR[ ABOVE ! =E/ ( P9ES & ITS  LITTLE \TPO/1 EXPOS$ TO EV]Y /ORM 2 BUT !Y >E ( A  SPECIES :I*1 F> FROM SO>+ /RAI<T UP TO HEAV51  RA!R CREEP ALONG ! GR\ND1 & GLIDE TIMIDLY 9TO !  SURFACE IRREGUL>ITIES TO ESCAPE FROM ! W9D & COLD4  ,!Y DEVELOP 9 BREAD? 2 ! BRAN*ES1 S]P5T9E AS  ! ROOTS1 /RET* \T ABOVE !M & TAKE ADVANTAGE (  ! SMALL AM\NT ( HEAT RADIAT+ FROM !M 2 IT IS ?US  ?AT %EEP CR[D UP ONE AGA9/ ANO!R TO KEEP W>M 4  DUR+ ! W9T] NI<TS4 ,BY MAK+ !MSELVES SMALL1  & PRES5T+ BUT SLI<T RESI/ANCE TO ! /ORM & A  SMALL SURFACE TO ! COLD1 ! JUNIP]-TREES ( ! M\NTA9 SUCCE$ 9 PRES]V+ !IR EXI/5CE3 WE /ILL SEE  !M CREEP+ T[>DS ! SN[Y SUMMITS1 HUNDR$S (  Y>DS ABOVE ! FIR1 D>+ AS IT IS 9 ITS ASC5T4 ,9 !  SAME WAY1 %RUBS1 SU* AS ALP9E ROSES & HEA?S1 CONTRIVE TO RAISE !MSELVES TO GREAT ALTITUDES 2 [+ TO !  SPH]ICAL OR DOMELIKE =M POSSESS$ BY ALL ! /EMS  PRESS$ CLOSE UP TOGE!R1 ! W9D READILY PASSES OV]  !SE VEGETABLE BALLS4 ,HI<] UP1 H[EV]1 9DE$1 !Y >E OBLIG$ TO REL9QUI% !IR CONFLICT ) ! COLD2  !Y GIVE PLACE TO ! MOSSES SPREAD+ \T OV] !  GR\ND1 TO ! LI*5S 9CORPORAT+ !MSELVES )  ! ROCK4 ,FROM ! /ONE VEGETATION CAME1 TO IT VEGETATION MU/ RETURN4 

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,R,I,* 9 ITS GR[? ( =E/S1 %RUBS1 GRASS1 & MOSS1  ! M\NTA9 SEEMS TO BE V]Y POOR 9 ANIMALS 2 IT W\LD  APPE> TO ,BE ALMO/ UTT]LY DES]T$ HAD %EPH]DS NOT  L$ TO IT !IR H]DS ( CATTLE & FLOCKS ( %EEP1 :I*  WE CAN SEE A GREAT WAY (F UPON ! GRE5 PA/URES LIKE  R$ OR :ITE SPECKS1 & IF ! EV]-ZEAL\S %EEP-DOGS  DID NOT 9CESSANTLY RUN FROM RI<T TO LEFT1 MAK+ !  ROCKS RES\ND ) !IR B>K+4 ,!Y >E TEMPOR>Y  EMIGRANTS :O HAVE COME UP FROM ! L[ PLA9S 9  SPR+-TIME1 & MU/ RETURN !RE 9 ! W9T]1 UNLESS  !Y BE CONCEAL$ 9 ! DEP?S ( CATTLE - %$S 9 !  HAMLETS ( ! VALLEY4 ,! ONLY *ILDR5 ( ! M\NTA9 TO BE MET ) :ILE CLIMB+ ! ACCLIVITIES >E  9SECTS CROSS+ ! FOOTPA?S & GLID+ ?R\< !  GRASS 2 BUTT]FLIES1 AMONG :I* WE SEE ! BLACK ,]EBUS1  ) ITS *ANG+ REFLECTIONS1 & ! MAGNIFIC5T ,APOLLO1  ?AT LIV+ FL[] FLUTT]+ ABOVE O!R FL[]S1 >E BUZZ+ 9 ! AIR 2 H]E & !RE SOME REPTILE /EALS AWAY  BETWE5 TWO /ONES4 ,! =E/S >E V]Y MUTE 2 R>ELY  >E BIRDS TO BE HE>D S++ 9 !M4  

,YET ! M\NTA91 A NATURAL =TRESS RIS+ UP 9 !  MID/ ( PLA9S1 HAS ITS VISITORS TOO 2 SOME1 TIMID FUGITIVES  SEEK+ AN 9ACCESSIBLE RETREAT 2 O!RS1 D>+ ROBB]S1 BEA/S ( PREY1 :I*1 FROM ! HEI<T ( !IR WAT*T[]S1 SCAN ! HORIZON FROM AF> BE=E RU%+ \T  UPON !IR PILLAG+ EXP$ITI\S4 ,IT IS A /RANGE FACT1  TEA*+ US ONLY TOO WELL TO UND]/& MAN'S C[>DICE1  ?AT ! BEA/S ( ! M\NTA9 :I* DE/ROY & KILL  ONE ANO!R >E PRECISELY ?OSE :I* WE MO/ ADMIRE4  ,WE %\LD READILY CONV]T !M 9TO K+S2 & 9 ALL  MY?S1 FABLES1 LEG5DS1 & MANY AN OLD BOOK ( NATURAL  HI/ORY1 ?AT NAME IS REALLY GIV5 TO !M4  

,TO BEG9 )1 !RE >E ! EAGLE & O!R RAPACI\S  BIRDS ( PREY1 :I* ALL ! LORDS ( ! E>? HAVE  *OS5 AS EMBLEMS1 SOMETIMES 5D[+ !M ) TWO  HEADS1 AS IF !Y !MSELVES W\LD LIKE TO HAVE TWO BEAKS  :]E) TO DEV\R4 ,! EAGLE IS BEAUTIFUL :5 HE IS  PR\DLY P]*$ UPON A ROCK1 9ACCESSIBLE TO MAN1 &  MU* MORE MAGNIFIC5T /ILL :5 HE SAILS TRANQUILLY  ?R\< ! AIR1 LORD ( ! SKIES 2 BUT :AT SIGNIFIES HIS  BEAUTY 8 ,IF ! K+ ADMIRES1 ! %EPH]D HATES HIM4  ,HE IS ! 5EMY ( ! FLOCK1 & ITS KEEP] HAS V[$  W> TO ! DEA? AGA9/ HIM4 ,SOON1 EAGLES1 VULTURES1  & GRIFF9S %ALL EXI/ NO:]E1 SAVE 9 \R MUSEUMS 2  EV5 N[ 9 MANY M\NTA9S NOT A S+LE NE/ IS TO BE  SE51 OR1 IF ONE DOES REMA91 IT CONTA9S BUT A SOLIT>Y DEFIANT BIRD1 SO OLD AS TO BE SEMI-IMPOT5T1 & TO BE EAT5  UP BY P>ASITES4  

,! BE> IS ALSO A DE/ROY] ( %EEP 2 &1 SOON] OR  LAT]1 ! %EPH]D WILL EXT]M9ATE HIM 9 \R M\NTA9S4 ,DESPITE HIS PRODIGI\S /R5G?1 & ! SKILL )  :I* HE CAN CRU% BONES1 HE IS NOT ! FAVORITE ( K+S1  :O D\BTLESSLY DO NOT CONSID] HIM SUFFICI5TLY GRACEFUL  TO ASSIGN TO HIM A PLACE 9 !IR ESCUT*EONS 2 BUT1 ON !  O!R H&1 MANY A TRIBE *]I%ES HIM = ! SAKE ( HIS QUALITIES4 ,& EV5 ! HUNTSMAN :O PURSUES CANNOT RESI/ A C]TA9 AFFECTION = HIM4 ,! ,O/IAK1 AFT]  HAV+ DEALT HIS DEA?-BL[ & HAV+ /RET*$ HIM  BLE$+ ON ! SN[1 ?R[S HIMSELF UPON HIS KNEES BE=E ! CORPSE TO IMPLORE ITS =GIV5ESS 3 0 ,I HAVE KILL$  Y\1 ,O MY ,GOD 6 BUT ,I WAS HUNGRY1 MY FAMILY WAS HUNGRY1 & Y\ >E SO GOOD ?AT Y\ WILL P>DON MY CRIME40  ,YET ! BE> DOES NOT IMPRESS US AS BE+ A DEITY2 BUT  H[ HONE/1 FRANK1 & B5EVOL5T HE SEEMS 6 ,H[ HE  APPE>S TO PRACTICE ALL ! FAMILY VIRTUES6 ,H[ G5TLE  HE IS T[>DS HIS Y\NG1 & H[ GAY1 FRISKY1 & FROLICSOME >E !Y 6 ,WE MU/ GO TO ! BE>'S D51 OR HIS  5ORM\S LAIR COM=TABLY C>PET$ ) MOSS1 TO F9D  ?OSE PATRI>*AL CU/OMS :I* HAVE BE5 SO GREATLY  VAUNT$4 ,IT IS TRUE ?AT FROM TIME TO TIME ! HUGE ANIMAL GIVES A FATAL BITE TO ! %EPH]D'S FLOCK 2 BUT IS HE  NOT1 AS A RULE1 SOBRIETY ITSELF8 ,HE CONT5TS HIMSELF )  BR[S+ ON LEAVES1 FE$+ ON :ORTLEB]RIES1 DEV\R+  COMBS ( HONEY2 P]HAPS HE MAY EV5 V5TURE D[N  9TO ! VALLEY1 CALMLY TO EAT GRAPES & PE>S4 ,A ,SWISS  NATURALI/1 ,TS5DI1 ASS]TS1 UPON HIS HONOR1 ?AT IF1 ON HIS  WAY1 ! HONE/ BEA/ %\LD MEET A LITTLE GIRL C>RY+ A  BASKET ( /RAWB]RIES1 HE W\LD CONT5T HIMSELF )  DELICATELY PLAC+ HIS PAW UPON ! BASKET TO ASK = HIS  %>E4 ,& :5 HE HAS 5T]$ MAN'S EMPLOYM5T HE  IS WILL+1 GOOD-HUMOR$1 MAGNANIM\S1 & CONTEMPTU\S ( 9SULTS 6 ,I CANNOT REFRA9 FROM REGRETT+ ?IS  GOOD BEA/1 :OM WE %ALL SOON SEE NO MORE 9 \R M\NTA9S1 & :OSE PAWS ! HUNTSMAN PR\DLY NAILS UP  AGA9/ HIS B>N-DOOR4 ,! RACE WILL BE SUPPRESS$1 BUT  ) :AT SUP]IOR 9TELLIG5CE MI<T WE NOT HAVE TAM$  & ADMITT$ HIM TO TAKE P>T 9 \R LABORS 8  

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,AS TO ! WOLF1 NO ONE WILL REGRET HIM :5 HE %ALL  HAVE 5TIRELY DISAPPE>$ FROM ! M\NTA94 ,HE IS A  ?OR\<LY MALEVOL5T1 P]FIDI\S1 SANGU9>Y1 C[>DLY1  VILE FELL[4 ,HE ?9KS ( NO?+ BUT TE>+ HIS VICTIM  TO PIECES1 & DR9K+ ! W>M BLOOD AS IT FL[S FROM  ! W\ND4 ,ALL ANIMALS HATE HIM1 & HE HATES !M 2  YET HE ONLY V5TURES TO ATTACK ! FEEBLE & W\ND$4  ,! MADNESS ( HUNG] ALONE URGES HIM TO ?R[ HIMSELF UPON ?OSE :O >E /RONG] ?AN HIMSELF4 ,BUT !N  ) :AT- EAG]NESS DOES HE RU% UPON A FALL5 PREY1 AN  5EMY :O CANNOT DEF5D HIMSELF 6 ,EV5 :5 A WOLF  FALLS1 /ILL ALIVE1 B5EA? ! HUNTSMAN'S BULLET1 ALL HIS  COMPANIONS CA/ !MSELVES UPON HIM TO COMPLETE !  WORK & TO QU>REL OV] HIS C>CASS4 ,C]TA9LY BLOOD?IR/Y ,KO9E HAS *>G$ H] MEMORY ) ALL IMAG9ABLE CRIMES2 %E HAS RAZ$ ?\S&S ( T[NS1 DE/ROY$  MILLIONS ( HUMAN BE+S1 GORG$ H]SELF ) ! E>?'S  RI*ES4 ,BY VIOL5CE & P]FIDY1 BY 9FAMIES )\T  NUMB]1 %E BECAME ! QUE5 ( ! ANCI5T WORLD 2 &  YET1 9 SPITE ( ALL H] CRIMES1 %E HAS CALUMNIAT$ H]SELF BY CLAIM+ A %E-WOLF AS H] MO!R & PATRONESS4  ,?AT PEOPLE1 :OSE LAWS UND] ANO!R GUISE /ILL GOV]N US1 W]E C]TA9LY H>D1 ALMO/ F]OCI\S1 BUT YET NOT  SO BAD AS ! SYMBOL *OS5 BY !M W\LD LEAD US TO  BELIEVE4  

,IT IS A SATISFACTION = ANY ONE :O LOVES ! M\NTA9 TO KN[ ?AT ! WOLF1 ?AT ODI\S CREATURE1 IS AN  ANIMAL BELONG+ TO WIDE PLA9S4 ,! DE/RUCTION ( HIS  NATIVE =E/S & ! 9CREAS+ NUMB] ( HUNTSM5  HAVE OBLIG$ HIM TO SEEK REFUGE 9 ! GORGES ( !  HEI<TS1 BUT HE IS NONE ! LESS AN 9TRUD] 2 HE IS SO ORGANIZ$ AS TO BE ABLE TO P]=M1 9 ONE /AGE1 J\RNEYS ( FIFTY MILES ACROSS ! /EPPES1 NOT TO CLIMB ! ACCLIVITIES ( ROCKS4 ,! ANIMAL1 ! =M ( :OSE BODY &  ! ELA/ICITY ( :OSE MUSCLES R5D] HIM BE/ ADAPT$  = SPR++ FROM ROCK TO ROCK1 = CROSS+ CREVASSES1 IS  ! GRACEFUL *AMOIS1 ! ANTELOPE ( \R C\NTRIES4 ,HE  IS ! TRUE 9HABITANT ( ! M\NTA9 2 NO PRECIPICE  AL>MS1 NO SLOPE ( SN[ /AYS HIM 2 9 A FEW B\NDS HE  CLIMBS DIZZY ESC>PM5TS :]E ! MO/ EAG] HUNTSMAN D>E NOT V5TURE4 ,) ONE LEAP HE SPR+S ON TO  PO9TS SMALL] ?AN ! SPACE :I* HIS F\R FEET1 CLOSELY  PUT TOGE!R1 W\LD COV]2 C]TA9LY HE IS AN ANIMAL BELONG+ TO ! E>?1 BUT ANY ONE W\LD BELIEVE HIM TO  BE W+$4 ,!N1 TOO1 HE IS G5TLE & SOCIABLE 2 HE  _*V\LD LOVE TO M+LE ) \R FLOCKS ( GOATS & %EEP4  ,NO D\BT1 A FEW EF=TS W\LD SUFFICE TO ADD HIM TO \R  SMALL CATEGORY ( DOME/IC ANIMALS 2 BUT IT IS EASI] TO  KILL ?AN TO RE> HIM1 & ! FEW *AMOIS /ILL LEFT >E  RES]V$ = ! DELI<T ( SPORTSM54 ,9 ALL PROBABILITY1  ?AT RACE WILL SOON DISAPPE>4 ,AFT] ALL1 IS IT NOT BETT]  TO DIE ?AN TO LIVE A SLAVE8  

,O!R ANIMALS HAVE *OS5 !IR DWELL+ HI<] /ILL  ?AN ! *AMOIS1 UPON ! SLOPES & ROCKS SURR\ND$  ON EV]Y SIDE BY SN[4 ,ONE ( !M IS A SPECIES ( H>E1  :I* HAS UND]/OOD CUNN+LY TO *ANGE HIS LIV]Y 9  SU* A MANN]1 ACCORD+ TO ! SEASON1 AS ALWA_> #g S TO BE  9DI/+UI%ABLE FROM ! SURR\ND+ SOIL4 ,IT IS ?US  ?AT HE ESCAPES ! EAGLE'S PI]C+ EYE4 ,9 W9T]1 :5  ALL ! SLOPES >E CLAD ) SN[1 HIS FUR IS AS :ITE AS  ! FLAKES 2 9 SPR+1 TUFTS ( PLANTS & PEBBLES APPE>  H]E & !RE ?R\< ! SN[Y B$1 SIMULTANE\SLY  ! ANIMAL'S COAT BECOMES DOTT$ ) GRAY SPOTS2 9  SUMM] HE IS ! COLOR ( /ONES & BURNT-UP GRASS 2 !N1 ) ! SUDD5 *ANGE ( SEASON1 LIE AGA9 AS SUDD5LY *ANGES HIS SK94 ,/ILL BETT] PROTECT$1 ! M>MOT PASSES HIS W9T] 9 A DEEP HOLE1 :]E ! TEMP]ATURE ALWAYS REMA9S EQUABLE1 9 SPITE ( ! ?ICK LAY]S  ( SN[ COV]+ ! GR\ND 2 & DUR+ :OLE MON?S  HE SUSP5DS ! C\RSE ( HIS LIFE1 UNTIL ! P]FUME (  FL[]S & ! RAYS ( SPR+ COME TO AWAK5 HIM FROM  HIS LE?>GIC SLEEP4 ,AT LA/1 ONE ( ?OSE EV]-ACTIVE1 EV]WAKEFUL ROD5TS :I* WE 5C\NT] EV]Y:]E HAS  UND]TAK5 TO REA* ! SUMMIT ( ! M\NTA9S BY  HOLL[+ \T TUNNELS & GALL]IES B5EA? ! SN[ ,I  MEAN A FIELD-M\SE4 ,COV]$ ) ?IS COLD MANTLE1 HE  SEEKS HIS MEAG] N\RI%M5T 9 ! GR\ND1 &1 WOND]FUL TO RELATE1 F9DS IT 6  

,SU* IS ! F]TILITY ( ! E>? ?AT IT BR+S =?1  = ! 9CESSANT BATTLE ( LIFE1 POPULATIONS ( CONSUM]S  & VICTIMS :O C>RY ON !IR CONFLICTS 9 OBSCURITY  MORE ?AN A ?\S& Y>DS ABOVE ! LIMIT ( P]PETUAL  SN[ 6 ,H]E AGA91 B5EA? ! B$S ( ! FROZ5 E>?1  ,I F9D ONCE MORE ?AT T]RIBLE /RUGGLE = EXI/5CE1 !  ALMO/ 9V>IABLY HIDE\S SPECTACLE ( :I* HAD DRIV5  ME FROM ! PLA9S4  

,FREQU5TLY ! BIRD ( PREY SO>S HI<] /ILL1 BUT IT IS  TO TRAVEL FROM ONE M\NTA9 SLOPE TO ANO!R1 OR TO GAZE  F> AWAY OV] ! EXT5SIVE C\NTRY & TO DISCOV] HIS  QU>RY4 ,! BUTT]FLIES & DRAGON-FLIES1 C>RI$ AWAY  BY ! DELI<T ( FLY+ UP T[>DS ! SUN1 SOMETIMES  ASC5D AS F> AS ! L(TIE/ ZONE ( ! M\NTA9S1 &1  )\T =ESEE+ ! COLD ( ! NI<T1 DO NOT CEASE  GAILY TO M\NT T[>DS ! LI<T4 ,MORE FREQU5TLY /ILL  ?OSE POOR LITTLE CREATURES1 SU* AS FLIES & O!R 9SECTS1  >E C>RI$ (F TO ! L(TY PEAKS BY HURRICANES1 & !IR REMA9S1 M+L$ ) ! DU/1 >E /REWN OV] ! SURFACE ( ! SN[4 ,BUT 9 ADDITION TO !SE /RANG]S  :O1 EI!R VOLUNT>ILY OR BY =CE1 VISIT ! REGIONS ( SIL5CE & DEA?1 !RE >E O!R 9DIG5\S DWELL]S :O  >E QUITE AT HOME !RE2 !Y DO NOT F9D ! ATMOSPH]E TOO COLD OR ! GR\ND TOO H>DLY FROZ54 ,!  IMM5SE DRE>Y TRACT ( SN[ LIES EXT5D$ >\ND !M 2  BUT ! PO9TS ( ! ROCKS1 :I* H]E & !RE PI]CE  ! SN[Y C\*1 >E = !M AN OASIS 9 ! MID/ (  ! DES]T 3 IT IS !RE1 NO D\BT1 AMONG !SE LI*5S1 ?AT  !Y F9D ! N\RI%M5T NECESS>Y = !IR SUBSI/5CE4  ,IT IS M>VEL\S H[ !Y ?RIVE1 & NATURALI/S ASC]TA9 ! FACT ) A/ONI%M5T4  

,SPID]S1 9SECTS1 OR SN[-MAGGOTS ALL !SE T9Y C]ATURES MU/ KN[ HUNG] 2 & P]HAPS ! DIV]SE PH5OM5A ( !IR LIFE >E EFFECT$ EXTREMELY SL[LY4 ,9 ?IS  REGION ( HO>-FRO/ ! *RYSALIDES MU/ REMA9 A LONG  TIME BURI$ 9 !IR APP>5T SLEEP ( DEA?4  

,NOT ONLY DOES LIFE EXHIBIT ITSELF BY ! SIDE ( SN[1  BUT ! SN[ ITSELF APPE>S ANIMATE 9 C]TA9 PLACES1 SO  GREATLY DO !SE ANIMALCULA MULTIPLY4 ,F> AWAY WE SEE  GREAT R$ OR YELL[ SPOTS ON ! :ITE EXPANSE4 ,IT IS !  SN[ ROTT+1 ! M\NTA9E]S SAY 2 !Y >ISE1 SAY !  SAVANTS1 >M$ ) MICROSCOPES1 FROM MILLIONS & MILLIONS ( CRAWL+ CREATURES1 :O LIVE1 LOVE1 PROPAGATE1 &  EAT ONE ANO!R UP4  

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,?,O,S,E NATURALI/S :O W&] AB\T ! M\NTA91  /UDY+ ! LIV+ CREATURES1 PLANTS1 OR ANIMALS 9HABIT+ IT1 DO NOT CONF9E !MSELVES TO /UDY+ EA* SPECIES  9 ITS ACTUAL =M & HABITS2 !Y ALSO DESIRE TO KN[  ! EXT5T ( ITS DOMA91 ! G5]AL DI/RIBUTION ( ITS  REPRES5TATIVES UPON ! SLOPES1 & ! HI/ORY ( ITS  RACE4 ,!Y CONSID] ! C\NTLESS CREATURES ( EA* SPECIES PLANTS1 9SECTS1 OR MAMMALIA AS ONE IMM5SE 9DIVIDUAL1 :OSE ABODES ON ! SURFACE ( ! E>?1 &  :OSE DURATION DUR+ ! C\RSE ( AGES1 WE \<T ?OR\<LY TO UND]/&4  

,9 CLIMB+ UP ! SIDE ( A M\NTA91 ! TRAVEL]  FIR/ REM>KS H[ V]Y FEW >E ! PLANTS :I* ACCOMPANY HIM TO ! SUMMIT4 ,?OSE :I* HE SAW AT !  BOTTOM1 & ON ! L[] LEVELS1 HE DOES NOT MEET AGA9  UPON ! MORE ELEVAT$ SLOPES2 OR1 IF A FEW %\LD /ILL  EXI/ !RE1 !Y DISAPPE> 9 ! VIC9ITY ( ! SN[1 TO  BE REPLAC$ BY O!R SPECIES4 ,IT IS ONE CON/ANT *ANGE  9 ! ASPECT ( ! FLORA AS WE APPROA* ! FRIGID PEAKS4  ,BUT :5 A PLANT 9DIG5\S TO ! L[] HILLS CONT9UES TO EXHIBIT ITSELF BESIDE ! FOOTPA? CLOSE TO ! SN[1  IT APPE>S GRADUALLY TO *ANGE 2 D[N BEL[1 ! FL[]  HAS ALREADY FAD$1 :ILE ON ! HEI<TS IT IS H>DLY YET 9 BUD 2 H]E IT HAS ALREADY SP5T ITS SUMM]1 YOND] UP  ABOVE IT IS YET 9 SPR+4  

,WE C\LD NOT MEASURE ) A CORD ! EXACT ELEVATION  AT :I* ?IS PLANT CEASES TO GR[ & ?AT ONE MAKES  ITS FIR/ APPE>ANCE4 ,A ?\S& CONDITIONS ( SOIL &  CLIMATE LABOR 9CESSANTLY TO DISPLACE1 TO WID51 OR TO CONTRACT ! LIMITS SEP>AT+ ! NATURAL DOMA9S ( ! V>I\S SPECIES4 ,:5 ! GR\ND *ANGES1 ROCK SUCCE$+ SOIL1 OR CLAY REPLAC+ S&1 A GREAT NUMB] ( PLANTS  ALSO GIVE WAY TO ONE ANO!R4 ,CONTRA/S BR+ AB\T  SIMIL> RESULTS2 AS1 = 9/ANCE1 :E!R WAT] WA%ES  AWAY ! E>?1 OR !RE IS A DEFICI5CY ( IT 9 !  P>*$-UP GR\ND 2 :E!R ! W9D :I/LES FREELY 9  ALL ITS FURY1 OR IT 5C\NT]S OB/ACLES ACT+ AS PROTECTION AGA9/ ITS VIOL5CE4 ,AT ! \TLET ( ?OSE NECKS  ( M\NTA9S :]E ! HURRICANES BL[ H>DE/1 C]TA9  SLOPES >E SO COMPLETELY SWEPT BY ! BITT] BLA/ ?AT  TREES & %RUBS AS SUDD5LY CEASE TO GR[ B5EA? ?IS  =MIDABLE BREEZE AS !Y W\LD BE=E A WALL ( ICE4  ,ELSE:]E ! VEGETATION V>IES ACCORD+ TO ! /EEPNESS ( ! SLOPES4 ,NO?+ BUT MOSS GR[S UPON V]TICAL CLIFFS 2 BRU%WOOD ONLY CAN F9D A FOOT+ UPON !  DRY1 /EEP WALLS ( PRECIPICES 2 :]E ! 9CL9E1 AL?\< LESS %>P1 IS YET 9ACCESSIBLE TO MAN1 TREES CREEP  ALONG ROCKS & AN*OR !IR ROOTS 9 ! FISSURES2 ON  ! O!R H&1 UPON ! T]RACES !IR TRUNKS RISE UP  ]ECTLY1 & !IR FOLIAGE SPREADS \T4 ,! NATURE ( !  TREES USUALLY V>IES AS GREATLY AS !IR ELEVATION4 ,:]EV] ! DIFF]5CE ( ! SLOPES IS CAUS$ BY ! ROCKY  /RATA1 BE+ MORE OR LESS 9JUR$ BY ATMOSPH]IC AG5TS1  ! M\NTA9 PRES5TS A SUCCESSION ( P>ALLEL TI]S (  VEGETATION ( ! MO/ CURI\S EFFECT4 ,BO? /ONES &  PLANTS *ANGE 9 REGUL> ALT]NATIONS4  

,( ALL ! CONTRA/S ( VEGETATION1 ! MO/ IMPORTANT1  UPON ! :OLE1 IS ?AT :I* IS CAUS$ BY ! DIFF]5T  DEGREES ( EXPOSURE TO ! SUN'S RAYS4 ,H[ MANY TIMES  :5 P5ETRAT+ 9TO A V]Y REGUL> VALLEY1 OV]LOOK$  BY UNI=M SLOPES1 ! ONE TURN$ TO ! NOR?1 ! O!R  EXPOS$ TO ! DUE S\? CAN WE SEE H[ ?IS DIFF]5CE  ( LI<T & HEAT MODIFIES VEGETATION ON ! TWO SIDES  ( ! M\NTA9 6 ,! CONTRA/ IS FREQU5TLY ABSOLUTE 2  !Y MI<T BE TWO REGIONS ( ! E>TLI SOME HUNDR$S  ( MILES AP>T4 ,ON ONE SIDE >E FRUIT-TREES1 CULTIVAT$  L&S1 RI* MEAD[S 2 FAC+ IT1 NOR FIELDS NOR G>D5S1  NO?+ BUT WOODS & PA/URES4 ,EV5 ! =E/S  GR[+ ON ! TWO OPPOSITE SLOPES CONSI/ ( TOTALLY  DIFF]5T SPECIES4 ,UP YOND]1 B5EA? ! PALE LI<T REFLECT$ BY ! NOR!RN SKIES1 >E FIR-TREES ) !IR SOMB] BRAN*ES2 B5EA? ! LIFE-GIV+ BRILLIANCY ( !  S\? >E L>*ES ( A T5D] GRE51 LUXURIANT AS AN IMM5SE ESPALI]4 ,MAN1 AS HAVE !SE PLANTS :I* /RIVE  TO EXP& B5EA? ! SUN'S RAYS1 HAS *OS5 = HIS  ABODE ! SLOPES TURN$ T[>DS ! S\?4 ,ON YOND]  SIDE H\SES BORD] ! ROADS 9 ONE ALMO/ CONT9U$  L9E 2 SNUG COTTAGES >E SCATT]$1 LIKE GRAY ROCKS1 UPON  ! UPP] PA/URES4 ,ON ! O!R COLD SIDE RIS+ UP  FAC+ IT1 H>DLY A S+LE LITTLE H\SE IS TO BE SE5 %ELT]+ ITSELF )9 ! B5D ( A RAV9E4  

,V]Y DIFF]5T >E ! M\NTA9 SLOPES 9 ASPECT1 CLIMATE1 & VEGETATION 2 YET ALL POSSESS ?IS PH5OM5ON 9  COMMON1 ?AT 9 ASC5D+ !M WE MI<T IMAG9E WE  W]E GO+ T[>DS ! POLES ( ! WORLD 3 IF WE CLIMB  UP A HUNDR$ Y>DS1 WE SEEM AS IF WE W]E TRANSPORT$FIFTY MILES F>!R AWAY FROM ! EQUATOR4 ,YOND] PEAK  :I* WE SEE RIS+ ABOVE \R HEADS CONTA9S A FLORA SIMIL> TO ?AT ( ,SC&9AVIA4 ,LET US PASS ?AT PO9T TO RISE  /ILL HI<]1 & WE 5T] ,LAPL& 2 AT ANO!R /ILL GREAT] ALTITUDE WE F9D ! VEGETATION ( ,SPITZB]G54 ,EA*  M\NTA9 IS1 9 ITS PLANTS1 A SORT ( RECAPITULATION ( ALL  ! C\NTRY EXT5D+ FROM ITS BASE TO ! POL> REGIONS1  ACROSS CONT95TS & OCEANS4 ,BOTANI/S1 9 !IR N>RATIONS1 (T5 EV9CE ! JOY1 ! EMOTION1 !Y FEEL :51  AFT] HAV+ CLIMB$ ! NAK$ ROCKS1 CROSS$ ! SN[1  WALK$ BESIDE YAWN+ *ASMS1 !Y AT LA/ REA* A FREE  SPOT1 A 0 G>D510 :OSE BLOOM+ PLANTS REM9D !M  ( SOME BELOV$ DI/ANT NOR!RN L&1 !IR [N C\NTRY  P]HAPS1 SITUAT$ MILLIONS ( Y>DS AWAY4 ,! MIRACLE  ( ! 0 ,?\S& & ,ONE ,NI<TS0 IS BE+ REALIZ$ =  !M AT ! CO/ ( SOME H\RS' WALK+ 2 H]E !Y >E  TRANSPORT$ 9TO ANO!R NATURE1 B5EA? ANO!R CLIMATE4  ,EV]Y YE> SOME VIOL5T BUT TEMPOR>Y DI/URBANCES  >E PRODUC$ 9 ?IS REGUL> /RATIFICATION ( FL[]S4  ,:5 WALK+ AMID ! MO/ REC5T L&SLIPS1 OR UPON  ! ACCUMULATIONS ( E>? BR\<T BY ! TORR5TS FROM  ! TOP ( ! M\NTA9S1 ! BOTANI/ FREQU5TLY OBS]VES SOME CONFUSION 9 ! DI/RIBUTION ( ! VEGETABLE TRIBES 2 !SE >E PH5OM5A :I* AFFECT HIM1 =  ! RESULT ( /UDY+ PLANTS IS ?AT HE 5DS BY SYMPA?IZ+ ) !M4 ,?IS SI<T1 MAK+ HIS HE>T BEAT1  IS CAUS$ BY ! =CIBLE EXPATRIATION ( PLANTS &  MOSSES VIOL5TLY C>RI$ AWAY 9TO A CLIMATE = :I*  !Y W]E NOT CREAT$4 ,9 !IR FALL OR DESC5T FROM !  TOP ( ! UPP] SLOPES1 ! ROCKS BR\<T ) !M  !IR FL[]S1 SE$S1 ROOTS1 :OLE /EMS4 ,AS W\LD !  FRAGM5TS ( A DI/ANT PLANET :I* MI<T L& ! 9HABITANTS ( ANO!R WORLD UPON ! E>?1 !SE ROCKS1  DESC5D$ FROM ! SUMMIT1 S]VE AS A MEANS ( CONVEYANCE = COLONIES ( PLANTS4 ,! POOR LITTLE ?+S1 A/ONI%$ TO BE BREA?+ ANO!R ATMOSPH]E1 TO F9D  !MSELVES AMID O!R CONDITIONS ( COLD & HEAT1 (  DRYNESS & MOI/URE1 ( LI<T & %AD[1 /RIVE TO BECOME ACCLIMATIZ$ 9 !IR NEW C\NTRY4 ,SOME /RANG]S  SUCCE$ 9 HOLD+ !IR [N AGA9/ ! ?RONG ( NATIVE  PLANTS SURR\ND+ !M1 BUT ! GREATE/ NUMB] HAVE  H>D WORK TO =M !MSELVES 9TO GR\PS1 TO KEEP CLOSE  TOGE!R LIKE REFUGEES 2 HAT$ BY ALL ! WORLD1 & LOV+ ONE ANO!R ALL ! MORE FONDLY1 !Y >E DOOM$  SOON TO P]I%4 ,ATTACK$ ON EV]Y SIDE BY ! ANCI5T  POSSESSORS ( ! SOIL1 !Y 5D BY REL9QUI%+ ! PLACE  :I* ! FALL ( !IR MO!R-ROCK HAD OBLIG$ !M TO  TAKE BY =CE4 ,! BOTANI/1 /UDY+ !M 9 !IR  NOVEL SURR\ND+S1 SEES !M P]I% BY DEGREES2 AFT]  SOME YE>S' SOJ\RN1 ! COLONIES >E COMPOS$ ( BUT A  SMALL NUMB] ( MIS]ABLE 9DIVIDUALS1 !N EV5 !SE  REMA9+ CREATURES >E F9ALLY EXT+UI%$4 ,IT IS ?US  ?AT 9 \R HUMAN RACE /RANGE COLONIES SUCCESSIVELY DIE  9 ! MID/ ( A PEOPLE :I* HATES !M1 & B5EA?  A CLIMATE ?AT IS ADV]SE TO !M4  

,DESPITE TEMPOR>Y IRREGUL>ITIES1 ! /RATIFICATION (  FL[]S UPON ! M\NTA9S' SIDES DOES1 AFT] ALL1 PRES]VE ! *>ACT] ( A /EADFA/ LAW4  

,:5CE PROCE$S ?IS /RANGE DI/RIBUTION ( PLANTS ON  ! GLOBE'S SURFACE8 ,:Y HAVE ! ORIG9AL SPECIES (  ! MO/ DI/ANT C\NTRIES ?US H]D$ 9 T9Y COLONIES  ON ! HI< SLOPES ( M\NTA9S 8 ,NO D\BT ! POLL5  ( SOME MAY HAVE BE5 C>RI$ BY BIRDS1 OR EV5 BY  /ORMY W9DS 2 BUT MO/ ( !SE SPECIES POSSESS SE$S ON  :I* NO BIRDS FE$1 & :I* >E TOO HEAVY TO HAVE  ADH]$ TO !IR FEA!RS OR CLAWS4 ,AMONG ?OSE PLANTS FROM ! COLD REGIONS :I* COLONIZE ! M\NTA9 !RE  >E EV5 5TIRE FAMILIES GR[+ FROM BULBS2 & C]TA9LY NEI!R W9D NOR BIRDS C\LD HAVE C>RI$ !M  ACROSS CONT95TS & SEAS4  

,?US1 !N1 !SE PLANTS MU/ HAVE BE5 PROPAGAT$  FROM ONE PLACE TO ANO!R BY GRADUAL 5CROA*M5T1 AS  !Y >E 9 \R H'ELDS & MEAD[S4 ,SMALL COLONI/S  :OM WE N[ SEE 9 ! HI< 0G>D5S0 SURR\ND$  ) SN[ HAVE SL[LY ASC5D$ FROM ! L[] PLA9S 2  :ILE O!R PLANTS ( ! SAME SPECIES1 MOV+ 9 A CONTR>Y DIRECTION1 B5D !IR /EPS T[>DS ! POL> REGIONS  :]E !Y >E N[ LOCAT$4 ,NO D\BT1 !N1 ! CLIMATE ( \R FIELDS WAS AS COLD AS IS 9 \R DAYS ?AT (  ! MO/ ELEVAT$ SUMMITS & ( ! BOREAL ZONE2 BUT  LITTLE BY LITTLE ! TEMP]ATURE BECOMES S(T]1 ! PLANTS  :I* LUXURIAT$ 9 ! RUDE1 COLD BREEZE W]E OBLIG$  TO TAKE FLI<T1 ! ONE TO ! NOR?1 ! O!R TO !  SLOPES ( ! M\NTA9S4 ,( !SE TWO FUGITIVE B&S1  SEP>AT$ BY AN UNCEAS+LY 9CREAS+ ZONE1 OCCUPI$ B_> #g  HO/ILE SPECIES1 ! ONE1 ?AT :I* RETREAT$ T[>DS !  M\NTA9S1 BEHELD ! SPACE DIM9I%+ BE=E IT PROPORTIONATELY ) ! AUGM5T+ MILDNESS ( ! CLIMATE 3 FIR/ IT OCCUPI$ ! L[] *A9S ( ! BASE1 !N  ! M$IUM PO9TS1 !N ! L(TY PEAKS1 & N[ SOME  HAVE = !IR LA/ REFUGE ! SUPREME RIDGES ( !  M\NTA94 ,:5 ! CLIMATE BECOMES COLD AGA91 9  CONSEQU5CE ( SOME COSMICAL *ANGE1 ! LITTLE PLANTS  WILL RECOMM5CE !IR J\RNEYS T[>DS ! PLA9 2 VICTORI\S 9 !IR TURN1 !Y WILL DRIVE AWAY BE=E !M  ! SPECIES DEM&+ A MILD] TEMP]ATURE4 ,ACCORD+ TO ! ALT]NATIONS ( !IR CLIMATES & ( !IR IMM5SE CYCLES1 ! >MIES ( PLANTS ADVANCE OR RETIRE ALONG ! SURFACE ( ! GLOBE1 LEAV+ BEH9D !M B&S (  LAGG>DS :I* REVEAL TO US :AT WAS =M]LY ! R\TE  ( ! MA9 BODY4  

,! SAME PH5OM5A EXI/ AMONG HUMAN TRIBES AS 9  ?OSE ( PLANTS & ANIMALS4 ,DUR+ ! V>IATIONS (  ! CLIMATE1 ! PEOPLE ( ! DIFF]5T RACES :O C\LD  NOT ACCOMMODATE !MSELVES TO ! *ANG+ M$IUM  MOV$ SL[LY NOR?W>D OR S\?W>D1 DRIV5 AWAY BY  ! COLD OR EXCESSIVE HEAT4 ,UNHAPPILY1 HI/ORY1 :I*  HAD NOT !N BEGUN TO EXI/1 HAS NOT BE5 ABLE TO RELATE  TO US ?IS W&]+ TO & FRO ( ! DIFF]5T PEOPLES 2  BESIDES :I*1 9 HIS GREAT MIGRATIONS1 MAN 9V>IABLY  OBEYS A V>IETY ( PASSIONS :I* HE CANNOT ANALYZE4  ,H[ MANY TRIBES HAVE ?US MOV$ & *ANG$ !IR  DWELL+ )\T KN[+ :AT WAS URG+ !M =W>D 6 ,!Y !N RELAT$1 9 !IR TRADITIONS1 H[ !Y  HAD BE5 GUID$ BY A /> OR A PILL> ( FIRE EV5 H[  !Y HAD FOLL[$ ! FLI<T ( AN EAGLE1 OR PLANT$ !IR  FEET 9 ! TRACKS LEFT BY ! SABOT ( A BISON4  

,IF HI/ORY IS MUTE1 OR AT LEA/ V]Y RETIC5T1 AS TO !  M>*ES & C\NT]-M>*ES IMPOS$ UPON ! PEOPLE  BY ! *ANGES ( CLIMATE1 IT SUFFICES1 ON ! O!R H&1  TO SEE H[1 UPON ! OPPOSITE SIDES ( MO/ ( ! M\NTA9S1 ! DIFF]5CES AMONG M5 RESPOND TO ?OSE ( !  TEMP]ATURE & ( ! ATMOSPH]E4 ,:5 ! CONTRA/  ( CLIMATE ON EA* SIDE ( ! M\NTA9 IS V]Y SLI<T1  EI!R BECAUSE ! DIRECTION ( ! :OLE RANGE ( HEI<TS  IS FROM NOR? TO S\?1 OR BECAUSE W9DS ( ! SAME ORIG91 & BR++ ! SAME AM\NT ( MOI/URE1 IRRIGATE  ! SAME SLOPES1 !N ! M5 ( ONE & ! SAME RACE  CAN SPREAD FREELY FROM ONE P>T TO ANO!R 2 GIVE !MSELVES NP TO ! SAME CULTURE1 ! SAME 9DU/RIES1 PRACTICE ! SAME CU/OMS4 ,! WALL RIS+ UP BETWE5 !M1  & :I* IS1 P]HAPS1 9T]RUPT$ ) NUM]\S BREA*ES1 IS NOT A SEP>AT+ RAMP>T4 ,BUT :51 EV]Y H]E  & !RE1 ONE ( ! SLOPES BELONG+ TO ! M\NTA91  & ! :OLE S]IES ( SUMMITS ATTA*$ TO IT1 >E TURN$  TO ! NOR? & ITS COLD W9DS1 :ILE ! OPPOSITE 9CL9E  RECEIVES AN ABUNDANCE ( S(T RAYS FROM ! S\? 2 OR1  AGA91 :5 ON ONE SIDE ! VAPORS ( ! SEA P\R D[N  9 TORR5TS1 :ILE ON ! O!R SIDE ! RAV9ES ALWAYS  REMA9 DRY1 !N1 C]TA9LY1 FLORA1 FAUNA1 & HUMANITY1  ON BO? SIDES1 WILL PRES5T ! MO/ REM>KABLE CONTRA/S4  ,EA* /EP MADE BY ! TRAVEL] AFT] HE HAS ATTA9$ !  CRE/ PLACES HIM 9 ! PRES5CE ( A NEW NATURE 2 HE  P5ETRATES 9TO ANO!R WORLD1 :]E DISCOV]Y SUCCE$S  DISCOV]Y4 ,N[ HE /OPS BE=E A SWEET-SMELL+ PLANT  :I* HE HAD NEV] SE5 2 A /RANGE BUTT]FLY FLUTT]S BE=E HIM 2 :ILE HE IS /UDY+ NEW SPECIES1 VEGETABLE  OR ANIMAL1 OR IS SEEK+ TO EXPLA9 TO HIMSELF ALL !  FEATURES ( ?IS HI!RTO UNKN[N NATURE1 A %EPH]D  COMES T[>DS HIM 3 IT IS A MAN ( DIFF]5T RACE1 ( DIFF]5T CIVILIZATION HIS V]Y SPEE* IS DIFF]5T4  

,:ILE SEP>AT+ TWO ZONES ( CLIMATE1 ! CRE/ ( !  M\NTA9 ?US ALSO SEP>ATES TWO NATIONS3 IT IS A CON/ANT PH5OM5ON 9 ALL C\NTRIES ( ! WORLD :]E  CONQUE/ HAS NOT RU?LESSLY MIX$ OR SUPPRESS$ !  RACES2 &1 EV5 9 SPITE ( ! VIOL5CE ( CONQUE/S1  ?IS NORMAL CONTRA/ BETWE5 ! POPULATIONS ( ! TWO  SIDES HAS BE5 FREQU5TLY REE/ABLI%$4 ,TAKE1 = 9/ANCE1 ! HI/ORY ( ,ITALY4 ,! SPL5DOR ( ?IS C\NTRY FASC9AT$ ! B>B>IANS ( ! NOR? & NOR!A/4  ,H[ (T5 HAVE ! ,G]MAN & ,FR5* PEOPLE1 ATTRACT$ BY ! RI*ES ( ITS T]RITORY1 BY ! TREASURES ( ITS T[NS1 ! FLAVOR ( ITS FRUITS1 ! BEAUTY ( ITS WOM51  FLUNG !MSELVES 9 >M$ B&S UPON ! PLA9S SURR\ND$ BY ! /UP5D\S B>RI] ( ! ,ALPS6 ,9  VA9 HAVE !Y MASSACR$1 BURN$1 DE/ROY$2 9 VA9  9/ALL$ !MSELVES 9 ! PLACES ( ! VANQUI%$ 2  BUILT T[NS & CON/RUCT$ CITADELS = !MSELVES 2 !  NATIVE POPULATION HAS ALWAYS RESUM$ ITS P[]1 & !  /RANG]S1 ,CELTS OR ,TEUTONS1 HAVE BE5 OBLIG$ TO RECROSS  ! ,ALPS4  

,! M\NTA9S1- TOO1 RELATIVELY 9SIGNIFICANT PROTUB]ANCES ON ! SURFACE ( ! GLOBE1 SIMPLE OB/ACLES :I*  MAN CAN ORD9>ILY CROSS 9 ONE DAY1 ACQUIRE GREAT HI/ORICAL IMPORTANCE AS ! NATURAL FRONTI]S BETWE5 !  DIFF]5T NATIONS4 ,!Y [E ?IS ROLE 9 ! LIFE ( MANK9D LESS TO ! WANT ( ROADS1 TO ! /EEPNESS ( !IR  ESC>PM5TS1 TO !IR ZONE ( SN[ & /]ILE ROCKS1  ?AN TO ! DIV]SITY1 & FREQU5TLY TO ! HO/ILITY1 (  ! POPULATIONS SEAT$ AT ! TWO OPPOSITE BASES4 ,!  HI/ORY ( ! PA/ TEA*ES US ?AT EV]Y NATURAL B\ND>Y PLAC$ BETWE5 TWO PEOPLES1 9 ! =M ( AN OB/ACLE DIFFICULT TO SURM\NT BE IT PLATEAU1 M\NTA91 DES]T1 OR RIV] WAS AT ! SAME TIME A MORAL FRONTI] =  MANK9D 2 JU/ AS1 9 FAIRY TALES1 PEOPLE =TIFI$ !MSELVES ) AN 9VISIBLE WALL1 ]ECT$ BY HATR$ & CONTEMPT4 ,ANY MAN COM+ FROM BEYOND ! M\NTA9S  WAS NOT M]ELY A /RANG]1 HE WAS AN 5EMY4 ,! NATIONS HAT$ ONE ANO!R 2 BUT SOMETIMES A %EPH]D1 SUP]IOR TO ALL HIS RACE1 W\LD SWEETLY S+ SOME SIMPLE  WORDS ( LOVE :ILE GAZ+ F> AWAY BEYOND ! M\NTA9S4 ,HE1 AT LEA/1 KNEW H[ TO SURM\NT ! L(TY  B>RI] ( ROCKS & SN[2 BY MEANS ( HIS HE>T HE  KNEW H[ TO MAKE A HOME = HIMSELF ON BO? SIDES ( ! M\NTA94 ,ONE ( \R OLD ,PYR5EAN SONGS RELATES  ?IS TRIUMPH ( LOVE OV] NATURE1 & OV] ! TRADITIONS  ( NATIONAL HATR$ 3  

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,! CRUMPL+-NP ( ! T]RE/RIAL SURFACE 9TO M\NTA9S & VALLEYS IS ?US A LEAD+ FEATURE 9 ! HI/ORY  ( NATIONS1 & (T5 IT EXPLA9S !IR J\RNEYS1 !IR MIGRATIONS1 !IR CONFLICTS1 !IR V>I\S DE/9IES 2 IT IS ?US  ?AT A MOLEHILL1 RIS+ UP 9 A MEAD[1 9 ! MID/ (  EAG] POPULATIONS ( 9SECTS HURRY+ TO & FRO1 IMM$IATELY *ANGES ALL !IR PLANS1 & CAUSES ! R\TE (  ! TRAVEL+ TRIBES TO DIV]GE 9 V>I\S DIRECTIONS4  

,:ILE ITS 5ORM\S MASS SEP>ATES ! NATIONS BESETT+ ! SLOPES ON EV]Y SIDE1 ! M\NTA9 ALSO PROTECTS  ! 9HABITANTS1 USUALLY V]Y FEW 9 NUMB]1 :O HAVE  COME TO SEEK REFUGE 9 ITS VALLEYS4 ,IT %ELT]S !M1 IT  MAKES !M ITS [N1 IMPOSES SPECIAL CU/OMS UPON !M1  A C]TA9 /YLE ( LIFE1 A PECULI> *>ACT]4 ,:ATSOEV]  MAY HAVE BE5 HIS ORIG9AL RACE1 ! M\NTA9E] HAS BECOME SU* AS HE IS B5EA? ! 9FLU5CE ( HIS SURR\ND+S 2 ! FATIGUE ( ! ASC5TS & TOILSOME DESC5TS1  ! SIMPLICITY ( HIS FOOD1 ! RIGOR ( ! W9T]'S COLD1  ! /RUGGLES ) H>D%IPS1 HAVE MADE AN EXCEPTIONAL  MAN ( HIM HAVE IMP>T$ TO HIM C>RIAGE1 GAIT1 &  MOVEM5TS V]Y DIFF]5T FROM ?OSE ( HIS NEI<BORS 9  ! PLA9S4 ,BESIDES ?IS1 !Y HAVE 5D[$ HIM ) A  MODE ( ?9K+ & FEEL+ :I* DI/+UI%ES HIM2 !Y HAVE1 REFLECT$ 9 HIS M9D1 AS 9 ?AT ( ! SAILOR1  SOME?+ ( ! S]5ITY ( GREAT HORIZONS2 9 MANY  PLACES1 ALSO1 !Y HAVE GU>ANTE$ HIM ! 9APPRECIABLE  TREASURE ( LIB]TY4  

,ONE ( ! GREAT CAUSES CONTRIBUT+ TO MA9TA9 !  9DEP5D5CE ( C]TA9 M\NTA9 TRIBES IS ?AT1 = !M1  MUTUAL ASSI/ANCE 9 WORK & COMB9$ EF=TS >E A NECESSITY4 ,ALL >E USEFUL TO EA*1 & EA* IS USEFUL TO ALL 2  ! %EPH]D1 :O GOES TO ! ELEVAT$ PA/URES TO WAT*  FLOCKS BELONG+ TO ! COMMUNITY1 IS NOT LEA/ NECESS>Y TO ! G5]AL PROSP]ITY4 0,:5 ANY DISA/] TAKES  PLACE1 ALL >E OBLIG$ TO GIVE !IR HELP TO REPAIR ! EVIL 3  AN AVALAN*E HAS BURI$ SOME CAB9S1 ALL WORK AT REMOV+ ! SN[ 2 ! RA9 HAS MADE RAV9ES 9 ! FIELDS CULTIVAT$ 9 T]RACES ON ! SLOPES1 ALL BUSY !MSELVES TO  RE/ORE ! E>? ?AT HAS SLIPP$ D[N 9TO ! BOTTOMS1  & BR+ IT BACK 9 BASKETFULS TO ! DECLIVITIES :5CE  IT FELL D[N 2 ! OV]FL[+ TORR5T HAS COV]$ !  MEAD[S ) PEBBLES1 ALL >E EMPLOY$ 9 FREE+ !  GRASS FROM ! DEBRIS :I* SMO!RS IT4 ,9 W9T]1  :5 IT IS DANG]\S TO V5TURE 9TO ! SN[1 !Y C\NT  UPON EA* O!R'S HOSPITALITY 2 !Y >E ALL BRO!RS 2  !Y >E MEMB]S ( ONE FAMILY4 ,JU/ ! SAME :5  !Y >E ATTACK$ 2 !Y RESI/ ) ONE ACCORD 2 >E /IRR$1 SO TO SAY1 BY ONE S+LE IDEA4 ,MOREOV]1 ! LIFE (  9CESSANT /RUGGLES1 ( UNBROK5 COMBATS ) DANG]S  ( EV]Y K9D P]HAPS1 TOO1 ! PURE1 HEAL?Y AIR :I*  !Y 0BREA! MAKES H>DY1 DEA? - DESPIS+ M5 (  !M4 ,PEACEABLE TOIL]S1 !Y NEV] ATTACK1 YET !Y  KN[ H[ TO DEF5D !MSELVES4  

,! PROTECT+ M\NTA9 PROVIDES !M ) !  MEANS TO %IELD !MSELVES AGA9/ 9VASION4 ,IT DEF5DS ! VALLEY BY N>R[ DEFILES1 :]E A FEW M5 W\LD  SUFFICE TO GU>D ! 5TRANCE AGA9/ :OLE B&S2 IT  CONCEALS ITS F]TILE VALES 9 ! HOLL[S ( L(TY T]RACES1  :OSE ESC>PM5TS APPE> TO BE 9SURM\NTABLE 2 9 C]TA9 PLACES IT IS P]=AT$ ) CAV]NS COMMUNICAT+  ) EA* O!R1 & CAPABLE ( S]V+ AS HID+-PLACES4  

,UPON ! WALL ( A DEFILE :I* ,I FREQU5TLY VISIT$  /OOD ONE ( !SE HIDD5 =TRESSES4 ,IT WAS ) !  GREATE/ DIFFICULTY ?AT ,I C\LD REA* ! 5TRANCE1 BY  CL++ TO ! FISSURES ( ! ROCK1 & BY CALL+ TO MY  AID SEV]AL /EMS ( BOXWOOD1 :I* HAD 9S]T$ !IR  ROOTS 9 ! CLEFTS4 ,H[ MU* MORE DIFFICULT W\LD !  ESCALADE HAVE BE5 = BESIEG]S 6 ,BLOCKS ( ROCK PIL$  UP BE=E ! 5TRANCE TO ! CAVE W]E READY TO ROLL  & REB\ND FROM PO9T TO PO9T D[N TO ! V]Y TORR5T4 ,ON EA* SIDE ( ! 5TRANCE ! ROCK1 ABSOLUTELY  UPRI<T & POLI%$1 DID NOT LEAVE ROOM = AN ADD] TO  SLIP ?R\< 2 ABOVE1 ! CLIFF OV]HUNG1 & LIKE A GIGANTIC POR* PROTECT$ ! AP]TURE4 ,9 ADDITION TO ?IS1 A  GREAT WALL HALF %UT IT 94 ,?US1 !N1 UNLESS TAK5 BY  SURPRISE1 ! GROTTO WAS UNAPPROA*ABLE = ALL ASSAILANTS4  ,! 5EMY W\LD BE OBLIG$ TO LIMIT !MSELVES TO KEEP+ WAT* FROM AF> 2 BUT :5 AT LA/1 HE>+ NOT !  SLI<TE/ S\ND COME =?1 !Y F9ALLY V5TUR$ 9 TO  C\NT ! BODIES1 !Y W\LD F9D ! SUBT]RANEAN GALL]IES P]FECTLY EMPTY4 ,! OCCUPANTS HAD GLID$ FROM  CAV]N TO CAV]N1 UNTIL !Y REA*$ ANO!R /ILL MORE  SECRET PLACE ( EGRESS AMID ! BRU%WOOD4 ,! *ASE  HAD TO COMM5CE AFRE%4 ,SOMETIMES1 ALAS 6 IT T]M9AT$  9 ! CAPTURE ( ! GAME4 ,MAN IS ! PREY ( MAN4  

,9 C]TA9 LOCALITIES1 :]E ! M\NTA9 DOES NOT (F]  PROPITI\S CAVITIES1 AN ISOLAT$ ROCK 9 ! VALLEY1 ONE ) UPRI<T FACETS1 W\LD S]VE AS A =TRESS4 ,CUT P]P5DICUL>LY ON ! ?REE SIDES :OSE BASE IS SURR\ND$  BY ! TORR5T1 IT WAS 9ACCESSIBLE EXCEPT+ FROM ONE  QU>T] 2 >ID ON ?AT SIDE ! LITTLE TROOP ( M\NTA9E]S  :O DESIR$ TO MAKE IT BO? !IR WAT*-T[] & !IR  HID+-PLACE1 9 CASE ( RETREAT1 HAD BUT TO CONT9UE !  WORK BEGUN BY NATURE4 ,!Y CUT AWAY ! ROCK1 R5D]$ IT IMPASSABLE = HUMAN FOOT/EPS1 & LEFT BUT ONE S+LE SUBT]RANEAN 5TRANCE HEWN \T ( ! ?ICKNESS (  ! ROCK ) A CR[-B>4 ,ONCE !Y HAD 5T]$ !IR  A]IE1 ! 9HABITANTS ( ! =TRESS BLOCK$ UP ! 5TRANCE BY MEANS ( HUGE PIECES ( ROCK 2 A BIRD ONLY WAS  ?US ABLE TO PAY !M A VISIT4 ,>*ITECTURE WAS NOT AT  ALL NE$$ = ?IS CITADEL4 ,P]HAPS1 H[EV]1 FROM A  SPECIES ( COQUETRY1 ! M\NTA9E] W\LD BORD] !  $GE ( ! PRECIPICE ) A CR5ELAT$ WALL1 :I* P]MITT$ HIS *ILDR5 SAFELY TO PLAY UPON ! :OLE EXT5T  ( ! PLATEAU1 & FROM :OSE TOP HE C\LD MORE EASILY  SPY \T EV]Y?+ %[+ ITSELF ON ANY PORTION ( !  M\NTA9'S SLOPES4 ,9 MANY M\NTA9\S C\NTRIES (  ! ,EA/1 :]E ! VALLEYS >E PEOPL$ ) RACES HO/ILE  TO ONE ANO!R1 & :]E1 CONSEQU5TLY1 ! MURD] (  A MAN IS E/EEM$ A M]E PECCADILLO1 NUMB]S ( !SE  ROCKY =TRESSES >E /ILL 9HABIT$4 ,:5 A GUE/ >RIVES AT ! FOOT ( ! ESC>PM5T1 HE ANN\NCES HIS  PRES5CE BY %\T+4 ,!REUPON A BASKET DESC5DS  ?R\< AN OP5 TRAP 9 ! ROCK1 ! TRAVEL] GETS 9TO  IT1 & ! /ALW>T >MS ( HIS FRI5DS ABOVE SL[LY HOI/  UP ! HEAVY CONVEYANCE AS IT GYRATES 9 ! AIR4  

,IF ! ABRUPT ROCKS ( ! HI< VALLEYS S]V$ TO DEF5D PEACEABLE POPULATIONS AGA9/ ALL 9CURSIONS1 !  LITTLE PROTUB]ANCES ( ! PLA91 ON ! O!R H&1 ACT$ AS WAT* & PILLAGE /ATIONS = SOME PR$ATORY  B>ON4  

,H[ MANY VILLAGES1 EV5 9 \R C\NTRY1 %[ BY !IR  >*ITECTURE ?AT UNTIL QUITE REC5TLY W> WAS P]MAN5T1  & ?AT AT EV]Y MOM5T IT WAS NECESS>Y TO EXPECT AN  ATTACK FROM LORDS OR BRIG&S 6 ,!RE >E NO ISOLAT$  H\SES ON ! HILL-SIDES VOID ( MEANS ( DEF5SE 2 ALL !  HOVELS1 LIKE %EEP FRI<T5$ BY ! /ORM1 HAVE BE5  HUDDL$ TOGE!R1 RESEMBL+ ONE VA/ HEAP ( /ONES4  ,FROM BEL[ IT LOOKS LIKE A M]E CONT9UATION ( ! ROCK1  AN 9D5TATION ( ! SUMMIT1 N[ %9+ 9 ! LI<T1  N[ BLACK 9 ! %AD[2 IT IS APPROA*$ BY DIZZY  /EPS1 :I* EA* MORN+ ! PEASANTS MU/ DESC5D TO  CULTIVATE !IR FIELDS1 :I* !Y MU/ WE>ILY ASC5D  EA* EV5+ AFT] ! DAY'S LONG TOIL4 ,ONE 5TRANCE  ALONE GIVES ACCESS TO ! HAMLET1 & UPON ! SIDE T[]S CAN /ILL BE SE5 ! TRACES ( PORTCULLISES & O!R  MEANS ( DEF5SE 2 NOT ONE W9D[ LOOKS \T OV] !  EXPANSE ( ! SURR\ND+ VALLEYS2 ! ONLY OP5+S  >E LOOP-HOLES1 ?R\< :I* =M]LY PASS$ JAVEL9S  & ! MUZZLES ( GUNS4 ,EV5 N[ADAYS ! DESC5DANTS ( !SE UNHAPPY PEOPLE1 BESIEG$ G5]ATION AFT]  G5]ATION1 >E AFRAID TO BUILD !IR DWELL+S 9 ! MIDDLE ( !IR FIELDS4 ,!Y C\LD HAVE DONE SO1 BUT CU/OM1 ( ALL TYRANTS ?AT :I* RECEIVES MO/ OB$I5CE1  /ILL P5S !M UP 9 ! ANCI5T PRISON4  

,! HI<] VALLEYS ( ! M\NTA9 W]E FREE TO !  M\NTA9E]S 2 BUT \TSIDE ! N>R[ PASSAGES1 :]E9  NO AGGRESSOR HAD EV] V5TUR$ ) IMPUNITY1 AN ALMO/  ISOLAT$ CLIFF BORE ! /RONG CA/LE ( A B>ON4 ,FROM UP  YOND]1 ! BRIG&1 5NOBL$ BY HIS [N CRIMES & BY  ?OSE ( HIS ANCE/ORS1 C\LD COMM& ! SURR\ND+ PLA9S AS WELL AS ! RAV9ES & DEFILES ( ! M\NTA94  ,LIKE A S]P5T COIL$ UP ON A ROCK1 & RAIS+ ITS RE/LESS  HEAD TO WAT* A NE/FUL ( T9Y BIRDS1 ! B&IT WAT*ES  FROM ! HEI<T ( HIS KEEP 2 HE D>E NOT ATTACK !  M\NTA9E]S 9 !IR VALLEY1 BUT AT LEA/ HE PROMISES  HIMSELF TO SURPRISE & SUBDUE ?OSE :O V5TURE 9TO  ! PLA94  

,! CA/LE BELONG+ TO ! NOBLE DE/ROY] ( ALL WAYF>]S N[ LIES 9 RU9S4 ,A /ONY FOOTPA? OB/RUCT$  BY BRI]S HAS REPLAC$ ! ROAD ALONG :I* ! W>RIORS  MADE !IR GLAD HORSES C>ACOLE :5 SETT+ \T UPON  AN EXP$ITION1 UP :I* TOIL$ ! CAPTIVE M]*ANTS 9  *A9S1 & !IR MULES HEAVILY LAD5 ) BOOTY4 ,AT  ! SPOT :]E ! DRAWBRIDGE /OOD1 ! MOAT HAS BE5  FILL$ UP ) /ONES1 & S9CE !N ! W9D & !  FEET ( ! PASS]SBY HAVE BR\<T TO IT A LITTLE VEGETABLE  SOIL 9TO :I* ELD]-TREES HAVE =C$ !IR ROOTS4 ,!  WALLS HAVE1 TO A GREAT EXT5T1 GIV5 WAY 2 5ORM\S FRAGM5TS AS BIG AS ROCKS LIE SCATT]$ ON ! GR\ND 2 ELSE:]E /ONY RUBBI% FALL5 9TO ! MOAT FILL IT HALF-WAY  UP 2 ITS SIDES >E ?ICKLY COV]$ ) *ICKWE$4 ,!  GREAT C\RT :]E9 =M]LY >M$ M5 ASSEMBL$ BE=E ALL PILLAG+ EXP$ITIONS IS 5CUMB]$ ) RUBBI%1 9T]SECT$ ) QUAGMIRES4 ,WE H>DLY D>E ATTEMPT TO MAKE \R WAY ?R\< ! ?ICKET ( %RUBS  & TALL GRASS 2 WE >E AFRAID ( /EPP+ UPON SOME VIP] HIDD5 BETWE5 TWO /ONES1 OR ( FALL+ 9TO !  OP5+ ( SOME /ILL YAWN+ \BLIETTE LET US1 H[EV]1 PROCE$1 C>EFULLY PICK+ \R WAY4 ,WE >RIVE AT  ! $GE ( A WELL :I*1 =TUNATELY1 IS 5CIRCL$ )  ! REMA9S ( COP+-/ONES4 ,TIMIDLY WE B5D OV] !  BLACK JAWS ( ! *ASM1 & /RIVE TO S\ND ! DEP? ?R\< ! H>T'S-TONGUE & BRACK5 GR[N OV] IT4  ,WE FANCY ?AT WE CAN DISC]N AT ! BOTTOM ! FEEBLE  REFLECTION ( A RAY ( LI<T :I* HAS /RAY$ 9TO !  ABYSS 2 WE FANCY -?AT WE HE> ASC5D+ TO US A S\ND  AS ( A SUPPRESS$ MURMUR4 ,IS IT A W&]+ CURR5T  ( AIR $DY+ 9 ! WELL 8 ,IS IT A SPR+ :OSE WAT]  OOZES ?R\< ! /ONES & TRICKLES D[N DROP BY  DROP8 ,IS IT A SALAM&] CRAWL+ AB\T 9 ! WAT]1  CAUS+ IT TO HISS :O KN[S8 ,=M]LY1 SAYS TRADITION1 ! CONFUS$ NOISES ISSU+ FROM !SE DEP?S W]E  ! DESPAIR+ CRIES & SOBS ( VICTIMS4 ,! WAT] (  ! WELL RE/S UPON A B$ ( BONES4  

,) AN EF=T ,I TURN MY EYES FROM ! *ASM :I*  FASC9ATES ME1 & BR+ !M BACK TO ! SQU>E MASS  ( ! KEEP1 %9+ 9 BROAD DAYLI<T4 ,! O!R T[]S HAVE FALL5 91 ?IS ALONE REMA9S /&+ 2 IT HAS  EV5 RETA9$ SOME ( ! BATTLEM5TS ( ITS COP+4  ,! WALLS1 GR[N YELL[ B5EA? ! SUN1 >E /ILL POLI%$ AS ON ! MORR[ ( ! DAY :5 ! LORD HELD  HIS FIR/ FEA/ 9 ! GREAT HALL2 H>DLY A CRACK OR A  SCRAT* IS TO BE SE5 2 ONLY ! WOOD & IRON WORK (  ! N>R[ W9D[S SET 9 EMBRASURES HAVE DISAPPE>$4  ,9 ! ?ICK WALLS1 FIVE Y>DS ABOVE ! GR\ND1 IS AN AP]TURE :I* WAS ! 5 TRANCE -DOOR2 A L>GE /ONE JUTT+ \T =MS ! ?RE%OLD1 & ! TOP ( ! PO9T$  >* IS ORNAM5T$ ) RUDE C>V+ BE>+ A CURI\S  MONOGRAM & RELICS ( ! ANCI5T B>ONIAL DEVICE4  ,! MOVABLE /AIRCASE :I* US$ TO BE ATTA*$ TO !  ?RE%OLD NO LONG] EXI/S1 & ! ZEAL\S >*AEOLOGI/  :O SEEKS TO READ1 OR RA!R TO DIV9E1 ! FEW PR\D  WORDS C>V$ 9 ! /ONE IS OBLIG$ TO HAVE REC\RSE TO  A LADD]4 ,9 ORD] TO OBTA9 ACCESS TO ! 9T]IOR ( ! T[]1 ! PEASANTS HAVE MADE USE ( MORE VIOL5T MEASURES !Y HAVE CUT A HOLE 9 ! WALL ON A LEVEL )  ! GR\ND4 ,?IS1 NO D\BT1 WAS R\< TREATM5T 2 BUT  P]HAPS !Y W]E ANIMAT$ BY !IR ?IR/ = V5GEANCE  UPON ?IS KEEP1 :]E9 NUMB]S ( !IR PEOPLE HAD DI$  FROM />VATION OR TORTURE 2 P]HAPS1 ALSO1 !Y IMAG9$  ?AT !Y %\LD F9D SOME HIDD5 TREASURE )9 IT4  

,I PASS ?R\< ?IS BREA* ) SOME S5SE ( APPREH5SION 2 ! AIR 9SIDE1 TO M+LE ) :I* NO RAY (  SUN EV] COMES1 FREEZES ME BE=E ,I HAVE FAIRLY 5T]$4  ,YET LI<T DESC5DS TO ! BOTTOM ( ! T[] 2 ! RO(  HAS FALL5 91 ! FLOORS HAVE BE5 BURN$ 9 SOME BYGONE  FIRE1 & H]E & !RE >E TO BE SE51 HALF FA/5$ 9TO  ! WALLS1 ! REMA9S ( BLACK5$ RAFT]S4 ,ALL ?IS  WRECK ( /ONES1 WOOD1 & C9D]S HAS BECOME MIX$ UP  TOGE!R BY DEGREES 9TO A SORT ( PA/E :I* ! WAT]S  FROM ! SKY1 DESC5D+ AS IF 9TO ! BOTTOM ( A WELL1  CON/ANTLY KEEP DAMP4 ,/ICKY MUD COV]S ?IS S(T  GR\ND1 :]EON SLIPS MY FOOT AS ,I V5TURE TO PUT IT  D[N ) A FEEL+ ( REPUGNANCE4 ,I SEEM TO BE IMPRISON$ 9 ?IS HORRIBLE DUNGEON 2 MY ONLY FEEL+ IS  ONE ( DISGU/ AS ,I BREA! ?IS /ALE1 MEPHITIC AIR4 ,&  _> #g ET IT IS PURE 9 COMP>ISON ) ?AT ODOR ( DECAY &  BONES ISSU+ FROM ! JAGG$ M\? ( ! UND]GR\ND DUNGEONS4 ,I B5D OV] ! BLACK HOLE & SEEK  TO DISC]N SOME?+ 2 BUT ,I CAN SEE NO?+4 ,I %\LD1  9DE$1 HAVE TO POSSESS SI<T %>P5$ BY LONG OBSCURITY  TO DI/+UI% ! REFLECTIONS1 LO/ 9 ?IS OBSCURITY4 ,S9I/] HOLE 6 ,I AM IGNORANT ( ! MURD]S 9 :I* IT  HAD BE5 AN ACCOMPLICE1 BUT ,I %UDD] ) FE> :5 ,I  SEE IT 2 &1 AS IF TO SEEK /R5G?1 ,I LOOK UP T[>DS !  BLUE SKY 5FRAM$ BY ! F\R GREAT WALLS ( ! T[]4  

,A DI/URB$ SCREE*-[L :IRLS AB\T UP ABOVE1 UTT]+  ITS %RILL CRY4  

,A /AIRCASE =M$ 9 ! ?ICKNESS ( ! WALL 5ABLES  YNE TO CLIMB UP TO ! BATTLEM5TS4 ,SEV]AL /EPS >E  WORN AWAY1 & ! /AIRCASE IS ?US CONV]T$ 9TO AN  9CL9$ PLANE1 MO/ DIFFICULT TO ASC5D 2 BUT BY SUPPORT+ MYSELF BY ! WALLS1 CL++ TO ! PROJECTIONS1 SLIPP+ 9TO ! DU/ ONLY TO RAISE MYSELF UP AGA91 ,I 5D  9 REA*+ ! COP+ ( ! T[]4 ,! /ONE IS BROAD  & ,I RUN NO RISK1 YET ,I H>DLY D>E MOVE A C\PLE (  /EPS LE/ ,I %\LD BE OV]COME BY DIZZ9ESS1 ,I AM  P]*$ UP SO HI<1 9 ! REGIONS ( BIRDS & CL\DS1  BETWE5 TWO ABYSSES4  

,ON ONE SIDE IS ! BLACK GULF ( ! T[]1 ON ! O!R  ! LUM9\S DEP? ( ! ROCKS & SLOPES LI<T$ BY  ! SUN4 ,! CRAG BE>+ ! KEEP LOOKS LIKE ANO!R  T[]1 SEV]AL HUNDR$ Y>DS HI<1 & ! RIV] W9D+  AT ITS FEET PRODUCES ! EFFECT ( A M]E MOAT ( DEF5SE4  ,TRADITION TELLS H[ ONE ( ! ANCI5T LORDS ( ! DI/RICT SOMETIMES AMUS$ HIMSELF BY MAK+ HIS PRISON]S  JUMP D[N FROM ! T]RACE ( ! KEEP4 ,HE RES]V$  = HIS MO/ DETE/$ 5EMIES A L+]+ DEA? 9 !  HOLE ( ! \BLIETTES2 BUT ! CAPTIVES AGA9/ :OM HE  HAD NO CAUSE = HATR$ W]E CALL$ UPON TO %[1 :5  CA/+ !MSELVES FROM ! T[]1 ) :AT C\RAGE  & GOOD GRACE !Y C\LD DIE4 ,( AN EV5+ !SE  DE$S W\LD BE TALK$ OV] R\ND ! SMOK+-BO>D 2  ! CONTORTIONS ( ?OSE :O RECOIL$ 9 HORROR FROM !  ABYSS W\LD BE LAU<$ AT1 ?OSE APPLAUD$ :O )  ONE B\ND HAD FLUNG !MSELVES 9TO SPACE4 ,! NOBLE  LORD DI$ 9 A CONV5T 9 ! NEI<BORHOOD 9 ! 0 ODOR  ( SANCTITY40  

,! L[LY LITTLE H\SES1 ) !IR RO(S ( SLATE OR  ?AT* CON/ITUT+ ! ANCI5T FEUDATORY VILLAGE1 W]E  IRREGUL>LY CLU/]$ AT ! FOOT ( ! CRAG4 ,:AT  *ANGES HAVE BE5 ACCOMPLI%$1 NOT ONLY 9 ! 9/ITUTIONS & CU/OMS1 BUT ALSO 9 ! HUMAN M9D1 S9CE !  ,ION_> ?US KEPT ALL HIS SUBJECTS UND] HIS EYES & FEET  S9CE ! HEIR TO HIS NAME GREW UP SAY+ TO HIMSELF1 (  ?OSE BADLY CLO!D BE+S :OM HE SAW MOV+ AB\T  BEL[1 0 ,IF ,I WI% IT1 ALL !SE M5 >E FOOD = MY  SWORD 60 ,H[1 !N1 W\LD IT HAVE BE5 POSSIBLE =  EV5 ! G5TLE/1 MO/ GIFT$ SON ( !SE NOBLES NOT TO  FEEL HIS BOSOM SWELL ) FI]CE PRIDE AT ! CONTEMPLATION ( ALL ?IS EXPANSE ( C\NTRY SUBJECT TO HIM1 ( ?IS  GROVEL+ VILLAGE1 !SE ABJECT CLODS H]D+ ON !  DUNG-HEAP8 ,HE MI<T HAVE BE5 READY 9 HIS 9FANCY  TO BELIEVE ?AT ALL M5 HAVE AN EQUAL RI<T TO HAPP9ESS2  HE MI<T HAVE DEEM$ HIMSELF TO BE BORN ( ! SAME  CLAY1 :5 ONE S+LE GLANCE OV] ! C\NTRY1 FROM !  TOP ( ! LORDLY T]RACE ( HIS KEEP1 W\LD HAVE SUFFIC$  TO UNDECEIVE HIM4 ,TO BELIEVE 9 EQUALITY NOT 9 JOY1  BUT 9 DESPAIR OR REMORSE IT WAS NECESS>Y = HIM TO  LEAVE HIS CA/LE1 TO FLY TO ! GLOOMY CONV5T 9 SOME  N>R[ VALLEY1 & TO BEAT HIS BR[ UPON ! FLOOR (  SOME *UR*4 ,I  

,9 \R DAYS ! DESC5DANT ( !SE ANCI5T CAVALI]S  NO LONG] REQUIRES TO ACT AS ! JAIL] ( A VILLAGE1 NOR TO  WAT* ! 9HABITANTS ) A JEAL\S EYE1 UNLESS1 AT LEA/1  HE HAS BECOME ! PROPRIETOR ( SOME WORKS1 :ILE !  VILLAG]S PEOPLE HIS FACTORY4 ,! VILLA :I* HE HAS  BUILT UPON ! SLOPE ( SOME HILL-SIDE IS1 SO TO SAY1 KEPT  \T ( SI<T4 ,! NE>E/ GR\P ( H\SES IS M>K$ BY  A CURTA9 ( BIG TREES 2 & IF ! REMOTE VILLAGES DO PEEP \T H]E & !RE1 !Y >E BUT SIMPLE MOTIVES 9 !  L&SCAPE1 FEATURES 9 ! GR& PICTURE4 ,! LORD (  ! CA/LE IS NO LONG] ! MA/]2 ( :AT USE1 !N1  W\LD IT BE = HIM TO GIVE TO HIS H\SE A COMM&+  POSITION8 SOLITUDE1 9 :I* HE C\LD 5JOY NATURE 9  PEACE1 W]E 0BETT] = HIM4  

,?US1 S9CE ! ,MIDDLE ,AGES1 VILLAGE & CA/LE HAVE  CEAS$ TO ,CON/ITUTE A WORLD ( !IR [N 2 VOLUNT>ILY OR  COMPULSORILY1 !Y HAVE 5T]$ 9TO A L>G] ONE 9TO A  SOCIETY 9 :I* !RE IS MORE ROOM = CONFLICTS1 9  :I* PROGRESS BR+S AB\T A RESULT GR&] 9 A V]Y  DIFF]5T WAY4 ,! LITTLE K+DOM ( :I* ! LORD  WAS ABSOLUTE MA/] IS 9 !SE DAYS BUT A SIMPLE DI/RICT1 & ! DESC5DANT ( ! ANCI5T B>ONS HAS N[  NO WORK = HIS ANCE/OR'S RU/Y SWORD TO DO4 ,P]HAPS  HE MAY /ILL TRY TO RETA9 SOME ( ?OSE APP>5T OR REAL  PRIVILEGES ( HIS FA!R'S P[] :I* >E LEFT TO HIM 2  P]HAPS1 :ILE RESIGN+ HIMSELF TO HIS ROLE ( SUBJECT OR  CITIZ51 HE SIMPLY LOSES HIMSELF 9 ! CR[D4 ,9 ALL  CASES1 IT IS O!R K+S & NATIONS :O HAVE B5EFIT$  BY HIS ANCE/OR'S FI<TS & CONQUE/S4 ,:ILE !Y1 DUR+ LONG YE>S ( W>F>E AGA9/ ! M\NTA9E]S1 HAD  SUCCE$$ 9 =C+ ! LATT] 9TO !IR RETREATS1 OBLIG+ !M TO REMOVE ! FRONTI] ( !IR DOMA9S TO !  SN[Y CRE/S1 9 !IR TURN !Y HAVE HAD TO RECEIVE !  VISIT ( SOME 9VAD]1 & ! LIMIT :I* !Y HAD SET  TO !IR POSSESSIONS BECAME LO/ 9 ! VA/ CIRCUMF]5CE ( A P[]FUL EMPIRE4  

,A CURI\S NAME :I* IS TO BE MET ) 9 MANY P>TS  ( ! M\NTA9S CAUS$ ME TO DREAM ( ?+S ( !  PA/4 ,9 A RAV9E1 M]ELY A SLI<T DIP 9 ! GR\ND1 A  SPR+1 :I* W\LD H>DLY BE VISIBLE DID NOT A RAY ( ! SUN REVEAL ITS EXI/5CE1 GLEAMS FROM AF> LIKE A LITTLE  SP>KL+ DIAMOND4 ,I DRAW NE>1 ! LEAVES ( ! WAT]CRESS ALT]NATELY B5D & RISE NP AGA9 B5EA? ! SILV]Y DROPS PASS+ OV] !M 2 BIRDS FLUTT] R\ND ME1  & ! PLANT1 BA?+ ITS ROOTS 9 ! HIDD5 WAT]1  D>TS ITS GRE5 /EMS & FL[]S \T F> ABOVE ! WI!R$ TURF ( ! PA/URES4 ,?IS LITTLE PAT* ( V]DURE1  :I* ! %EPH]DS SEE FROM AF> UPON ! GRAY BURNTUP-LOOK+ FACE ( ! M\NTA9 SLOPES1 IS ! 0 ,F\NTA9  ( ! ,?REE ,LORDS40  

,:Y ?IS /RANGE TITLE 8 ,H[ C\LD SO TRIVIAL A SPR+  HAVE ?US ASSUM$ ! NAME ( ?REE POT5TATES 8 ,!  LEG5D ( ! M\NTA9S TELLS US ?AT AT A V]Y ANCI5T  P]IOD1 9 ! TIMES :5 /RONG CA/LES SURR\ND$ )  MOATS ROSE UP ON ALL ! CRAGS ( ! DEFILES1 ?REE  C\NTS1 :O *ANC$ NOT TO BE AT W>1 W5T \T HUNT+  9 ! VIC9ITY ( ! LITTLE F\NTA94 ,!Y W]E WE>Y  ) !IR LONG *ASE 9 PURSUIT ( WILD BO>S & /AGS1  & ! SWEAT RAN D[N !IR BR[S4 ,!IR CR[D (  S]VITORS PRESS$ R\ND !M1 VY+ ) ONE ANO!R 9  (F]+ !M W9E & ME!GL9 2 BUT ! T9Y ?READ  ( WAT] TRICKL+ ?R\< ! FISSURE ( ! ROCK SEEM$  A MORE AGREEABLE BEV]AGE ?AN ANY ( ! LIQUORS P\R$  9TO SILV] GOBLETS4 ,ONE AFT] ANO!R !Y B5T OV] !  LITTLE BAS9 ( ! SPR+1 PU%$ ASIDE ) !IR H&S  ! WE$S FLOAT+ ON ! SURFACE ( ! WAT]1 & DRANK  AS IF SIMPLE %EPH]DS OR FAWNS FROM ! M\NTA9S4  ,!N !Y LOOK$ AT ONE ANO!R1 HELD \T ! H& (  FRI5D%IP1 &1 LY+ D[N ON ! GRASS1 BEGAN TO *AT  M]RILY4 ,! WEA!R WAS F9E 2 ! SUN HAD ALREADY DESC5D$ L[ ON ! HORIZON 2 SOME SCATT]$ CL\DS CA/  LONG %AD[S UPON ! RIP5+ CORNFIELDS 9 ! PLA9S 2 H]E & !RE DELICATE SMOKE CURL$ UP FROM ! VILLAGES4 ,! ?REE COMPANIONS FELT 9 A GOOD HUMOR4 ,UNTIL !N !IR VA/ DOMA9S 9 ! M\NTA9 HAD HAD NO  PRECISE LIMITS2 !Y DECID$ ?AT H5CE=? ! SPR+  :OSE ICY ?READ ( WAT] HAD ALLAY$ !IR ?IR/ %\LD  BE ! PO9T ( SEP>ATION = ! ?REE C\NTIES4 ,!  ONE WAS TO FOLL[ ! RI<T1 ! O!R ! LEFT BANK (  ! /REAMLET 2 ! ?IRD %\LD OCCUPY ! :OLE ( !  BR[ ( ! HILL EXT5D+ FROM ! S\RCE TO ! NEI<BOR+ SUMMIT1 & FROM !RE TO ! OPPOSITE SIDE4 ,9  TE/IMONY ( ! TREATY JU/ CONCLUD$1 ! ?REE LORDS  FILL$ !IR H&S ) SEV]AL LITTLE DROPS FROM ! F\NTA91 & EA* SPR9KL$ !M OV] ! TURF ( HIS DOMA94  

,BUT1 ALAS 6 ?OSE BEAUTIFUL DAYS >E NOT TO LA/1 & !  NOBLE C\NTS >E NOT ALWAYS SMIL+ OR GOOD FRI5DS4  ,! ?REE COMRADES QU>REL$ 2 W> BROKE \T4 ,VASSALS1  BUR<]S1 & PEASANTS CUT EA* O!R'S ?ROATS 9 ! =E/S & RAV9ES1 ) A VIEW TO REMOV+ ! B\ND>IES  ( ! ?REE C\NTIES4 ,! PLA9 WAS DEVA/AT$1 &  = SEV]AL G5]ATIONS TORR5TS ( BLOOD FL[$ = !  SAKE ( ! POSSESSION ( ?AT DROP ( WAT] TRICKL+ UP  ABOVE UPON ! PEACEFUL HEI<TS4 ,AT LA/ PEACE IS MADE 2  & IF W> COMM5CE AGA91 IT WILL NOT N[ BE AMONG  ! ?REE B>ONS1 NOR = ! CONQUE/ ( A SIMPLE F\NTA91 BUT BETWE5 PUISSANT SOV]EIGNS1 & = ! POSSESSION ( IMM5SE T]RITORIES1 CONTA9+ M\NTA9S1 =E/S1 RIV]S1 & POPUL\S T[NS4 ,!Y >E NO LONG]  BADLY >M$ B&S MASSACR+ ONE ANO!R2 !Y >E  HUNDR$S ( ?\S&S ( M5 PROVID$ ) ! MO/  SCI5TIFIC MEANS ( DE/RUCTION1 :O FL+ !MSELVES  UPON & KILL EA* O!R4 ,!RE IS NO D\BT ?AT HUMANITY DOES PROGRESS1 BUT AT ! SI<T ( !SE T]RIBLE  CONFLICTS ONE IS SOMETIMES L$ TO D\BT IT4  

,H[ HAPPY1 !N1 IT W\LD APPE>1 MU/ BE ?OSE  RETIR$ POPULATIONS 9 ! L(TILY SITUAT$ VALLEYS :O  HAVE NEV] TO SUFF] W>F>E1 OR :O1 AT LEA/1 9 SPITE (  ! FLUX & REFLUX ( >MIES ON ! M>*1 HAVE 5D$  9 PRES]V+ !IR PRI/9E 9DEP5D5CE 6 ,MANY RACES  ( M\NTA9E]S1 PROTECT$ BY !IR 5ORM\S GR\PS (  M\NTA9S JO9$ TOGE!R1 HAVE EXP]I5C$ ?IS GOOD=TUNE ( REMA9+ FREE4 ,!Y KN[ ?AT IT IS NOT  M]ELY TO ! H]OISM ( !IR HE>TS1 TO ! /R5G? (  !IR >MS1 TO ! UNITY ( !IR PURPOSE1 ?AT !Y [E  ! BLISS NEV] TO HAVE BE5 SUBDU$ BY P[]FUL NEI<BORS4 ,IT IS ALSO TO !IR GREAT ,ALPS ?AT !Y MU/ RETURN ?ANKS 2 !SE >E ! /EADFA/ COLUMNS :I* HAVE  DEF5D$ ! 5TRANCE TO !IR TEMPLE4  

,*,A,P,T,] ,X,V,I,I,I4  

,C,R,E,T,9,S4  

,B,Y ! SIDE ( !SE /RONG1 VALIANT M51 ) !IR  /\T *E/S1 !IR PI]C+ GLANCE1 :O CLIMB ! ROCKS  ) /EADY /EPS1 HIDE\S MASSES ( LIV+ FLE% DRAG  !MSELVES ALONG2 !Y >E CRET9S1 ) DROOP+ GOIT]S4  ,YET AMONG !SE MASSES >E MANY :O CANNOT EV5 DO  SO MU*2 !RE !Y SIT UPON FIL?Y *AIRS1 SW++  !IR BODIES & HEADS FROM SIDE TO SIDE1 ALL[+ !  SALIVA TO RUN D[N !IR DIRTY RAGS4 ,!SE CREATURES  CANNOT WALK 2 !RE >E SOME :O HAVE NOT EV5 BE5  ABLE TO ACQUIRE ! >T ( C>RY+ !IR FOOD TO !IR  M\?S 3 !Y >E F$ ) PAP UNTIL !Y >E SURFEIT$1  & :5 !Y FEEL ! S(T N\RI%M5T SLIP D[N 9TO  !IR /OMA*S !Y UTT] A LITTLE GRUNT ( SATISFACTION4  ,SU* >E ! LA/ REPRES5TATIVES ( ?AT HUMANK9D  0 :OSE C\NT5ANCES W]E CREAT$ TO LOOK UPON !  />S40 0,:AT A WIDE DI/ANCE LIES BETWE5 ,APOLLO (  ,PY?ION'S IDEAL HEAD & ?AT ( ! POOR CRET91 )  HIS SI<TLESS EYES & HIS DI/ORT$ GRIMACES 6 ,MU*  MORE BEAUTIFUL IS ! REPTILE'S HEAD1 = IT RESEMBLES ITS  [N TYPE1 & WE DO NOT EXPECT TO SEE IT DIFF]5T1 :ILE  ! FACE ( ! IDIOT IS A HIDE\SLY DEG5]ATE =M 2 WE  SEE FROM AF> :AT SEEMS TO US TO BE A MAN1 & ! 9TELLIG5CE ( ! BEA/ IS NOT EV5 DISPLAY$ UPON ?OSE  DISCORDANT FEATURES 6  

,AS A CLIMAX ( HORROR1 ! RUDIM5T>Y S5TIM5TS  REVEAL$ 9 ?IS UNHAPPY CREATURE >E NOT ALWAYS GOOD4  ,SOME CRET9S >E MALEVOL5T4 ,!SE GR9D !IR TEE?1  UTT] FI]CE RO>S1 MAKE ANGRY GE/ICULATIONS ) !IR  CLUMSY >MS 2 !Y /AMP UPON ! GR\ND1 &1 IF !Y  W]E LEFT ALONE1 W\LD DEV\R ! FLE% & DR9K !  BLOOD ( ?OSE :O T5D !M SO DEVOT$LY4 ,:AT MATT]S ?IS RAGE TO ! SIMPLE & GOOD M\NTA9E]S 8 ,9  SPITE ( IT1 !Y HAVE GIV5 TO ! POOR IDIOTS ! NAMES  ( 0CRET9S10 0CRE/IAS10 OR 09NOC5TS10 9 ! BELIEF  ?AT !SE CREATURES1 9CAPABLE ( REASON+ AB\T !IR  ACTIONS & ( >RIV+ AT ! COMPREH5SION ( EVIL1 5JOY ! PRIVILEGE ( BE>+ NO S9 UPON !IR CONSCI5CE4  ,*RI/IANS FROM !IR CRADLE1 !Y C\LD NOT FAIL TO GO  /RAI<T TO HEAV54 ,IT IS ?US ?AT 9 ,MUSSULMAN C\NTRIES ! CR[D PRO/RATES ITSELF BE=E MADM5 &  MONOMANIACS1 & GLORIES 9 BE+ T\*$ BY !IR  SPITTLE OR EXCREM5TS4 ,S9CE1 9 !IR HUMAN =M1 !Y  LIVE )\T ! PALE ( HUMANITY1 !RE CAN BE NO D\BT  ?AT !Y CON/ITUTE A DIV9E DREAM 6  

,YET AMONG !SE UN=TUNATES !RE >E SOME :O >E  REALLY GOOD1 :O LOVE TO DO !IR BE/ 9 !IR N>R[  CIRCLE4 ,ONE DAY ,I HAD GONE D[N 9TO ! VALLEY TO ASC5D BY ! O!R SIDE TO A PLATEAU ( PA/URES1 9 !  MID/ ( :I* ,I HAD SE5 FROM AF> ! WAT]S ( A  SMALL LAKE4 ,)\T /OPP+1 ,I HAD PASS$ A LITTLE DAMP  HUT1 SURR\ND$ BY SOME ALD]S1 & LEISURELY PURSU$ A  PA? FA9TLY M>K$ BY ANIMALS' FEET1 AT ! SIDE ( A  RAPID /REAM4 ,I HAD ALREADY GONE MORE ?AN A /ONE'/HR[ BEYOND ! HUT :5 ,I HE>D BEH9D ME A HEAVY1  HURRI$ /EP2 AT ! SAME TIME1 /]TOR\S1 ALMO/ RATTL+1  BREA?+ PROCE$$ FROM ! CREATURE PURSU+ & GA9+ UPON ME4 ,I TURN$ R\ND & SAW A POOR CRET91  :OSE GOIT]1 %AK5 BY ! *ASE1 SWAY$ HEAVILY FROM  %\LD] TO %\LD]4 ,I HAD GREAT DIFFICULTY 9 RE/RA9+ AN EJACULATION ( HORROR1 ON SEE+ ?IS HUMAN MASS  ADVANC+ T[>DS ME1 ?R[+ H]SELF ALT]NATELY FIR/  ON ONE LEG & !N ON ! O!R4 ,! MON/] MADE  A SIGN TO ME TO WAIT1 !N /OPP$ BE=E ME1 LOOK+ FIX$LY AT ME ) VACANT EYES1 & PUFF+ H] RATTL+ BREA? 9TO MY FACE4 ,) A W>N+ GE/URE1 %E  PO9T$ TO ! DEFILE 9TO :I* ,I WAS AB\T TO 5T]1  !N JO9$ H] H&S TO %[ ME ?AT %>P ROCKS B>R$  ! PASSAGE4 0 ,!RE1 !RE 60 %E UTT]$1 9DICAT+ A  MORE DI/9CTLY M>K$-\T FOOTPA?1 RIS+ AS IT W9DS  UP ! 9CL9E & REA*ES A PLATEAU BY :I* IT GOES  R\ND ! IMPASSABLE DEFILE 9 ! BOTTOM4 ,:5 %E  SAW ME FOLL[ H] GOOD ADVICE & BEG9 TO CLIMB !  SLOPE1 %E UTT]$ TWO OR ?REE GRUNTS ( SATISFACTION1 FOLL[$ ME ) H] EYES = SOME TIME1 !N RETIR$ QUIETLY1 HAPPY TO HAVE P]=M$ A GOOD ACTION4 ,I CONFESS ,I  FELT ?AT ,I WAS HUMILIAT$ RA!R ?AN %E4 ,A CREATURE  AFFLICT$ BY NATURE1 HORRIBLE1 A K9D ( ?+ )\T =M  & )\T NAME1 HAD NOT RE/$ UNTIL %E HAD SAV$ ME  FROM A WRONG /EP 2 & ,I1 A PR\D MAN ,I1 :O KNEW  MYSELF TO BE 5D[$ BY NATURE ) A C]TA9 AM\NT  ( REASON1 & :O HAD REA*$ ! S5SE ( MORAL RESPONSIBILITY H[ MANY TIMES HAD ,I NOT1 )\T SAY+  A WORD1 ALL[$ O!R M51 & EV5 ?OSE :OM ,I CALL$  MY FRI5DS1 TO 5T] UPON MU* MORE =MIDABLE PA?S  ?AN A DEFILE 9 ! M\NTA9S 6 ,! IDIOT1 ! GOITR\S  WOMAN1 HAD -TAU<T ME MY DUTY4 ,?US1 EV5 9 :AT  APPE>$ TO ME TO BE L[] ?AN HUMANITY1 ,I F\ND ?AT  B5EVOL5CE SO (T5 LACK+ 9 ?OSE :O ?9K !MSELVES GREAT & /RONG4 ,NO CREATURE IS TOO L[ TO FALL  B5EA? LOVE1 & EV5 RESPECT4 ,:O1 !N1 IS RI<T  ! ANCI5T ,SP>TAN1 :O ?REW ALL MAL=M$ *ILDR5  9TO A *ASM1 OR ! MO!R :O1 :ILE WEEP+1 SUCKLES  & C>ESSES H] IDIOT1 DE=M$ SON 8 ,C]TA9LY WE CANNOT SAY ?AT ! MO!RS >E WRONG :O /RUGGLE AGA9/  ALL HOPE TO RESCUE !IR *ILDR5 FROM DEA? 2 BUT SOCIETY  MU/ COME TO ! ASSI/ANCE ( !SE UN=TUNATES1 )  SCI5CE & AFFECTION TO CURE ?OSE :O >E CURABLE1 TO  GI_*.0 ALL HAPP9ESS POSSIBLE TO ?OSE :OSE CONDITION IS  HOPELESS1 & TO DO ITS UTMO/1 ?AT HYGI5IC PRACTICE &  ! COMPREH5SION ( PHYSIOLOGICAL LAWS MAY MORE &  MORE R$UCE ! NUMB] ( SIMIL> BIR?S4  

,A REGUL> C\RSE ( $UCATION CAN REF9E !SE DULL  NATURES 2 & :5 A MO!R'S AFFECTION IS FOLL[$ UP BY  ! SOLICITUDE ( A COMPANION :O SUCCE$S 9 TEA*+  ! POOR 9NOC5T TO ACCOMPLI% SOME RUDE TASK1 HE BY  DEGREES BECOMES DEVELOP$1 & 5DS BY %[+ SOME?+ LIKE A GLEAM ( 9TELLIG5CE UPON HIS FACE4 ,AMONG  ! 9NUM]ABLE PICTURES GRAV5 9 MY MEMORY :ILE  CROSS+ ! M\NTA91 ,I DISCOV] ONE :I* /ILL1 AFT]  LONG YE>S1 T\*ES & MOVES ME4 ,IT WAS EV5+1 T[>DS ONE ( ! LATT] DAYS 9 SUMM]4 ,! MEAD[S 9  ! VALLEY W]E M[N A SECOND TIME1 & H]E & !RE  ,I P]CEIV$ LITTLE HAYCOCKS :OSE SWEET SC5T WAS WAFT$  TO ME BY ! BREEZE4 ,I WAS WALK+ ALONG A W9D+  PA?1 5JOY+ ! FRE%NESS ( ! EV5+1 ! P]FUME  ( ! PLANTS1 ! BEAUTY ( ! PEAKS LI<T$ UP BY !  DECL9+ SUN4 ,SUDD5LY1 AT A TURN 9 ! ROAD1 ,I F\ND  MYSELF 9 ! PRES5CE ( A S+UL> GR\P4 ,A GOIT]$  CRET9 WAS H>NESS$ BY CORDS TO A SPECIES ( C>T FILL$  ) HAY4 ,)\T ANY DIFFICULTY HE DREW ! HEAVY VEHICLE1 SEE+ NEI!R BOGS NOR ! GREAT SCATT]$ BLOCKS1  & PULL+ AS IF ) BL9D =CE4 ,BUT BY HIS SIDE WAS  HIS LITTLE BRO!R1 A PRETTY1 ACTIVE *ILD ) AN 9TELLIG5T  SMIL+ FACE2 IT WAS HE :O SAW & ?\<T = !  MON/]4 ,BY A SIGN1 A T\*1 HE MADE HIS BRO!R 9CL9E  TO ! RI<T OR ! LEFT TO AVOID OB/ACLES1 HA/5+ OR  SLACK5+ HIS SPE$ 2 ) HIM ! LAD =M$ A YOKE1  ( :I* HE WAS ! M9D & ! O!R ! BODY4 ,AS  !Y PASS$1 ! BOY GREET$ ME ) A PLEASANT GE/URE1  & PU%+ ,CALIBAN ) HIS ELB[1 MADE HIM REMOVE  HIS CAP & TURN HIS S\LLESS EYES T[>DS ME4 ,YET ,I  SEEM$ TO SEE SOME?+ 9 !M LIKE A GLEAM ( A HUMAN  S5TIM5T ( RESPECT & FRI5D%IP 2 & ,I1 ) A FEEL+ ( REV]5CE1 GREET$ ?IS T\*+ GR\P1 ?IS SYMBOL ( HUMANK9D4  

,LEFT TO HIMSELF1 & REJOIC+ M]ELY 9 ! 9/9CTIVE  LI<TS ( AN ANIMAL1 ! CRET9 CAN SOMETIMES ACCOMPLI%  ?+S :I* W\LD BE ABOVE ! P[] ( AN 9TELLIG5T  MAN FILL$ ) ! CONSCI\SNESS ( HIS [N IMPORTANCE4  ,FREQU5TLY MY COMPANION ! %EPH]D HAD RELAT$ TO  ME ! /ORY ( A FALL HE HAD MET ) D[N A CREVASSE 9  ! GLACI] 2 & :5 HE SPOKE ( IT1 HORROR W\LD /ILL  BE DEPICT$ UPON HIS FACE4 ,HE WAS SITT+ UPON ! TALUS1  CLOSE TO ! $GE ( A GLACI]1 :5 A /ONE1 9 FALL+1  CAUS$ HIM TO LOSE HIS BALANCE1 &1 )\T BE+ ABLE  TO /OP HIMSELF1 HE SLIPP$ 9TO A YAWN+ *ASM OP5+ \T BETWE5 ! ROCK & ! COMPACT MASS ( !  ICE 2 SUDD5LY HE F\ND HIMSELF AS IF AT ! BOTTOM ( A  WELL1 H>DLY ABLE TO P]CEIVE ONE RAY ( LI<T FROM !  SKIES4 ,HE WAS /UNN$1 CONTUS$1 BUT NONE ( HIS LIMBS  W]E BROK54 ,IMPELL$ BY ! 9/9CT ( SELF-PRES]VATION1 HE MANAG$ TO CL+ TO ! WALLS ( ! ROCK & TO CLIMB UP FROM PROJECTION TO PROJECTION1 UNTIL )9 A  FEW Y>DS ( ! AP]TURE 2 !RE HE BEHELD ! SUN ONCE  MORE1 ! PA/URES1 ! %EEP1 & HIS DOG1 :O WAS WAT*+ HIM ) F]V5T EYES4 ,BUT1 HAV+ REA*$ ?IS  L$GE1 ! %EPH]D C\LD CLIMB NO F>!R 2 ABOVE1 !  ROCK WAS SMOO? ON EV]Y SIDE1 LEAV+ NO?+ = HIS  H& TO GRIP4 ,! ANIMAL WAS AS DESP]ATE AS HIS MA/] 2 HE FLUNG HIMSELF FROM SIDE TO SIDE1 UPON ! $GE (  ! PRECIPICE 2 HE GAVE V5T TO SEV]AL %ORT B>KS1 !N  SUDD5LY SP$ (F LIKE A D>T 9 ! DIRECTION ( ! VALLEY4 ,! %EPH]D HAD NO?+ MORE TO FE>4 ,HE KNEW  ?AT ! GOOD DOG WAS GONE 9 SE>* ( HELP1 & ?AT  HE W\LD SOON RETURN ACCOMPANI$ BY %EPH]DS )  ROPES4 ,NEV]!LESS1 DUR+ ! P]IOD ( SUSP5SE HE  PASS$ ?R\< HORRIBLE AGONIES ( DESPAIR 2 HE FELT AS IF  ! FAI?FUL BRUTE W\LD NEV] RETURN 2 HE SAW HIMSELF  DY+ ( HUNG] UPON HIS ROCK1 & ASK$ HIMSELF )  HORROR IF ! EAGLES W\LD NOT COME TO TE> MORSELS (  FLE% FROM HIS LIMBS BE=E HE WAS QUITE DEAD4 ,& YET  HE RECOLLECT$ P]FECTLY H[1 9 A SIMIL> CASE1 AN 0 9NOC5T 0 HAD BEHAV$4 ,HAV+ FALL5 TO ! BOTTOM ( A  CREVASSE1 :5CE IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE = HIM TO ASC5D1 !  CRET9 HAD NOT EXHAU/$ HIMSELF ) USELESS EF=TS2  HE WAIT$ PATI5TLY1 BEAT+ HIS FEET UPON ! GR\ND SO  AS TO KEEP UP ANIMAL W>M?1 & ?US WAIT$ PATI5TLY  ?R\< A :OLE EV5+1 A :OLE NI<T1 !N ?R\<  HALF ( ! FOLL[+ DAY4 ,AT LA/ HAV+ HE>D HIS  NAME %\T$ BY ?OSE 9 SE>* ( HIM1 HE RESPOND$1  & SOON AFT] WAS DRAWN UP \T ( ! GULF4 ,HIS ONLY  COMPLA9T WAS ?AT HE HAD BE5 V]Y COLD4  

,BUT :ATEV]1 ALAS 6 MAY BE ! PRIVILEGES & IMMUNITIES ( ! CRET91 EV5 AL?\< ! UN=TUNATE CREATURE HAS NO NE$ TO FE> ! C>ES & DECEPTIONS ( !  MAN :O C>VES \T HIS [N PA? 9 LIFE1 IT IS NOT ! LESS  NECESS>Y TO /RIVE TO WRE/ ! CRET9 \T ( HIS 0 9NOC5CE 0 & HIS DISGU/+ MALADIES1 9 ORD] TO GIVE HIM1  AT ! SAME TIME AS PHYSICAL /R5G?1 A S5SE ( HIS [N  MORAL RESPONSIBILITY4 ,HE MU/ BE MADE TO 5T] 9TO !  COMPANION%IP ( FREE M5 2 & TO CURE & ELEVATE HIM  IT IS NECESS>Y FIR/ TO KN[ :AT HAVE BE5 ! CAUSES  ( HIS DEG5]ACY4 ,LE>N$ M51 B5D+ OV] !IR RETORTS & BOOKS1 (F] OPPOSITE OP9IONS 2 SOME SAY ?AT  ! DE=MITY ( ! GOIT] PROCE$S PR9CIPALLY FROM !  WANT ( IOD9E 9 ! DR9K+-WAT]1 & ?AT BY 9T]BRE$+ MORAL DE=MITY 5DS 9 BE+ ADD$ TO ?AT (  ! BODY2 ! O!RS RA!R BELIEVE ?AT GOIT] & C]T9ISM >E PRODUC$ BY ! WAT]1 :I*1 DESC5D$ FROM  ! SN[1 HAS NOT HAD TIME TO BE SUFFICI5TLY /IRR$ &  A]AT$ BE=E IT REA*ES ! VILLAGE1 OR ELSE BY"9 HAV+  PASS$ OV] ROCKS CONTA9+ MAGNESIA4 ,IT IS C]TA9 ?AT  BAD WAT] CAN FREQU5TLY CONTRIBUTE TO G]M9AT+ &  DEVELOP+ DISEASE2 BUT IS ?AT ALL8  

,IT IS 5\< TO 5T] ONE ( ?OSE CAB9S 9 :I* !  IDIOTS >E BORN & VEGETATE TO SEE ?AT !RE EXI/ O!R  CAUSES = !IR LAM5TABLE POSITION4 ,! HABITATION IS  GLOOMY & SMOKY 2 ! *E/S1 ! TABLE1 ! RAFT]S1 >E  WORM-EAT5 2 9 CORN]S 9TO :I* \R EYES CANNOT ?OR\<LY P5ETRATE WE P]CEIVE 9DI/9CT =MS COV]$  ) FIL? & SPID]S' WEBS4 ,! E>? :I* DOES DUTY  = A FLOOR IS LEFT CON/ANTLY DAMP1 & AS IF VISC\S FROM  ALL ! RUBBI% & IMPURE WAT] COV]+ IT4 ,! AIR  BREA!D 9 ?AT CONF9$ SPACE IS F\L & FETID4 ,SOMETIMES ! ODORS ( SMOKE1 RANCID L>D1 MOLDY BREAD1  WORM-EAT5 WOOD1 DIRTY L951 HUMAN EMANATIONS1 CAN ALL BE SIMULTANE\SLY P]CEIV$4 ,AT NI<T EV]Y AP]TURE  IS CLOS$ TO PREV5T ! COLD FROM )\T P5ETRAT+  9TO ! *AMB] 2 GR&P>5TS1 FA!R1 MO!R1 *ILDR51  ALL SLEEP 9 A SORT ( %ELV$ CUPBO>D1 :OSE CURTA9S >E  CLOS$ BY DAY1 :]E DUR+ ! NI<T'S SLUMB] A D5SE  AIR ACCUMULATES1 F> MORE IMPURE EV5 ?AN ?AT 9 !  RE/ ( ! CAB94 ,NOR IS ?IS ALL 2 DUR+ ! COLD ( !  W9T]1 ! FAMILY1 9 ORD] TO KEEP !MSELVES W>M]1  MIGRATE FROM ! GR\ND-FLOOR & DESC5D 9TO ! CELL>1  :I* AT ! SAME TIME S]VES = A /ABLE4 ,ON ONE SIDE  >E ! ANIMALS1 LY+ ON DIRTY /RAW 2 ON ! O!R !  M5 & WOM51 SLEEP+ B5EA? !IR GRIMY %EETS4 ,A  GUTT] SEP>ATES ! TWO GR\PS ( V]TEBRATE MAMMALS1  BUT ! AIR BREA!D IS COMMON TO ALL4 ,NOR1 AGA91 CAN  ?IS AIR1 P5ETRAT+ ?R\< N>R[ *9KS1 BE R5EW$  = MANY WEEKS1 ON ACC\NT ( ! SN[ COV]+ !  GR\ND"9 IT IS NECESS>Y TO DIG \T A SORT ( *IMNEY  ?R\< :I* NO?+ BUT A WAN RAY ( LI<T DESC5DS4  ,9 !SE CELL>S DAY ITSELF RESEMBLES A POL> NI<T4  

,IS IT A/ONI%+ ?AT 9 SU* DWELL+S1 SCR(UL\S1  RICKETY1 DE=M$ *ILDR5 @5%\LD BE BORN8 ,FROM !  FIR/ WEEK NUMB]LESS NEWLY BORN BABES >E %AK5 BY  T]RIBLE CONVULSIONS1 TO :I* ! GREATE/ PORTION SUCCUMB 2 9 C]TA9 C\NTRIES MO!RS >E SO US$ TO !  DEA? ( !IR *ILDR5 ?AT !Y H>DLY CONSID] !M TO  BE ALIVE UNTIL ! =MIDABLE PASSAGE ( ! 0 FIVE DAYS'  MALADY 0 HAS BE5 GONE ?R\<4 ,& H[ MANY (  ?OSE :O DO ESCAPE LIVE ANY?+ BUT A LIFE ( SICKNESS  & 9SANITY 8 ,EXCELL5T AS ! SURR\ND+ AIR ( !  FREE M\NTA9 & ! \TDOOR WORK >E = DEVELOP+  A S\ND MAN'S /R5G? & AGILITY1 SO1 9 PROPORTION1 DO  ! CONF9$ SPACE & HUMID GLOOM ( ! CAB9 CONTRIBUTE TO R5D] WORSE ! CONDITION ( ! CRET9 &  ! GOITR\S VICTIM4 ,BY ! SIDE ( ! ONE BRO!R :O  BECOMES ! H&SOME/ & /RONGE/ AMONG ! Y\NG  PEOPLE1 ANO!R BRO!R DRAGS HIMSELF ALONG1 A SORT (  FE>FUL1 LIV+1 FLE%Y EXCRESC5CE 6  

,9 MANY LOCALITIES1 PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY BEGUN TO BUILD  ASYLUMS = !SE UN=TUNATES4 ,NO?+ IS WANT+ 9  ?OSE MOD]N ABODES4 ,PURE AIR CIRCULATES FREELY ?R\<  !M1 ! SUN LI<TS UP EV]Y ROOM1 ! WAT] IS PURE  & :OLESOME1 ALL ! FURNITURE1 & ESPECIALLY ! B$S1  >E EXQUISITELY CLEAN1 ! 09NOC5TS0 HAVE ATT5DANTS  :O LOOK AFT] !M AS W\LD NURSES1 & PR(ESSORS :O  /RIVE TO CAUSE A RAY ( 9TELLECTUAL LI<T TO 5T] 9TO  !IR IMP5ETRABLE BRA9S4 ,FREQU5TLY !Y SUCCE$1 &  ! CRET9 MAY GRADUALLY AWAK5 TO A SUP]IOR LIFE4 ,BUT  IT IS NOT ( SO MU* IMPORTANCE TO LABOR AT REPAIR+ AN  EVIL :I* HAS ALREADY OCCURR$ AS IT IS TO GU>D AGA9/  IT4 ,!SE 9FECT$ HOVELS1 SO PICTURESQUE SOMETIMES 9  ! L&SCAPE1 MU/ DISAPPE> TO MAKE ROOM = COMMODI\S1 HEAL?Y H\SES 2 AIR & LI<T MU/ 5T] FREELY  9TO EV]Y HABITATION ( MAN 2 S\ND BODILY HEAL? AS  WELL AS P]FECT MORAL DIGNITY MU/ BE OBS]V$ EV]Y:]E4 ,AT ?IS PRICE ! M\NTA9E]S WILL 9 A FEW  G5]ATIONS PUR*ASE COMPLETE IMMUNITY FROM ALL ?OSE  MALADIES :I* N[ DEGRADE SO GREAT A NUMB] AMONG  !M4 ,!N ! 9HABITANTS WILL BE WOR?Y ( ! C\NTRY SURR\ND+ !M2 !Y WILL BE ABLE ) SATISFACTION TO CONTEMPLATE ! L(TY SN[-CLAD SUMMITS1 & TO  SAY1 ) ! ANCI5T ,GREEKS1 0 ,!SE >E \R ANCE/ORS1  & WE RESEMBLE !M40  

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,! WOR%IP' ( NATURE /ILL EXI/S 9 ! WORLD TO AN  ALMO/ 9CR$IBLE EXT5T4 ,H[ (T5 HAS A PEASANT1 UNCOV]+ HIS HEAD1 PO9T$ TO ! SUN1 & SOLEMNLY SAID  TO ME1 0 ,!RE IS \R GOD 60 ,& EV5 ,I %ALL ,I CONFESS  IT8 HAVE MANY A TIME BE5 IMPELL$ BY REAL FEEL+1 AT  SI<T ( L(TY EM95CES1 5?RON$ ABOVE VALLEYS &  PLA9S1 TO CALL !M DIV9E4  

,ONE DAY ,I WAS LABORI\SLY MAK+ MY WAY UP A N>R[ PASS1 V]Y /EEP1 & OB/RUCT$ BY ROLL+ /ONES4  ,! W9D P\R$ D[N ! PASS1 & BEAT UPON ME1 )  BL9D+ DA%ES ( RA9 & SLEET 2 A GRAY VEIL ( MI/ HID  ! ROCKS FROM MY SI<T1 BUT H]E & !RE1 9 ! OBSCURITY1 ,I CAU<T GLIMPSES ( BLACK & ?REAT5+ MASSES1 :I* SEEM$ BY TURN TO RETIRE & TO APPROA* ME1  ACCORD+ AS ! FOG WAS MORE OR LESS D5SE4 ,I WAS B5UMB$1 DEPRESS$1 MIS]ABLE4 ,ALL AT ONCE A GLEAM (  LI<T1 REFLECT$ BY ! C\NTLESS P>TICLES ( WAT] 9 !  AIR1 CAUS$ ME TO LOOK UPW>DS4 ,ABOVE MY HEAD !  CL\D ( WAT] & SN[ HAD P>T$ 2 ! BLUE SKY WAS  BEAM+ UPON ME1 & HI< UP 9 ?IS CLE> AZURE APPE>$ ! S]5E BR[ ( A M\NTA9 3 ITS SN[Y COV]+1 EMBROID]$ BY %>P PO9TS ( ROCK1 AS IF ) F9E  >ABESQUES1 %ONE ) ! BRILLIANCY ( SILV]1 & ! SUN $G$ IT ) A L9E ( GOLD4 ,! \TL9ES ( !  M\NTA9 W]E TRUE & PRECISE1 LIKE ?OSE ( A /ATUE  /&+ RESPL5D5T 9 A BACKGR\ND ( D>KNESS 2 BUT  ! SUP]B PYRAMID SEEM$ TO BE ABSOLUTELY DETA*$  FROM E>? 3 TRANQUIL1 /RONG1 UN*ANGEABLE 9 ITS REPOSE1  IT APPE>$ TO HANG SUSP5D$ 9 ! SKY1 & TO BELONG  TO ANO!R WORLD ?AN ?IS HEAVY PLANET1 ALL WRAPP$ 9  CL\DS & FOGS4 ,9 ?IS APP>ITION ,I ?\<T ,I SAW  SOME?+ MORE ?AN ! VALLEY ( HAPP9ESS MORE1  EV51 ?AN ,OLYMPUS1 ! ABODE ( ! GODS4 ,BUT A  VICI\S CL\D CAME SUDD5LY1 & CLOS$ ! OP5+  ?R\< :I* ,I HAD BEHELD ! M\NTA9 3 ,I F\ND MYSELF ONCE MORE 9 ! W9D1 ! MI/ & RA91 BUT ,I CONSOL$ MYSELF ) ! ?\<T1 0 A DIV9E REVELATION HAS  APPE>$ TO ME40  

,9 ! E>LIE/ HI/ORIC TIMES1 ALL PEOPLE HAD ?IS FEEL+ 9 REG>D TO M\NTA9S 3 !Y SAW 9 !M DIV9ITIES1  OR1 AT LEA/1 ! ?RONE ( SUP]IOR BE+S1 ALT]NATELY VISIBLE & HIDD5 UND] A PASS+ VEIL ( CL\DS4 ,IT WAS  TO !SE M\NTA9S !Y ASCRIB$1 G5]ALLY1 ! ORIG9 (  !IR RACE 2 9 !M !Y FIX$ ! SEAT ( !IR TRADITIONS OR LEG5DS 2 TO !M !Y LOOK$ AS ! SC5E :]E  !IR AMBITIONS & !IR DREAMS W\LD BE REALIZ$ 9  ! FUTURE 2 & IT WAS ALWAYS FROM !M !IR SAVIOR1  ! ANGEL ( GLORY OR LIB]TY1 WAS EXPECT$ TO COME D[N4  ,SO IMPORTANT A P>T HAVE L(TY M\NTA9-PEAKS ALWAYS  BORNE 9 ! LIFE ( NATIONS ?AT ONE MI<T ALMO/ TELL  ! HI/ORY ( HUMANITY BY ?AT ( M\NTA9-WOR%IP 2  !Y >E LIKE GREAT MILE/ONES SET H]E & !RE ON !  M>* ( ADVANC+ RACES4  

,IT WAS 9 ! VALLEYS BETWE5 ! GREAT M\NTA9S ('  ,C5TRAL ,ASIA1 ACCORDIHG TO LE>N$ S*OL>S1 ?AT ?OSE ( \R ANCE/ORS TO :OM WE [E \R ,EUROPEAN LANGUAGES  E/ABLI%$ !MSELVES 9 CIVILIZ$ TRIBES1 ! FIR/ ?AT  W]E EV] KN[N 2 & AT ! S\!RN BASE ( ! HI<E/ M\NTA9 RANGE 9 ! WORLD LIVE ! ,H9DUS1 ?AT  ,>YAN RACE :OSE ANCI5T CIVILIZATION COMES D[N TO  !M AS A SORT ( 5NOBL+ BIR?RI<T4 ,!IR ANCI5T  SONGS TELL US ) :AT PI\S F]VOR !Y CELEBRAT$  !IR 0 EI<TY-F\R ?\S& M\NTA9S ( GOLD10 :I*  RE> !MSELVES HEAV5W>D 9 ! LI<T BEYOND !  PLA9S & =E/S4 ,TO ! 9HABITANTS ( ?AT REGION  ! GR& M\NTA9S ( ,HIMALAYA ) !IR SN[-CLAD  SUMMITS1 !IR GREAT GLACI]S >E GODS !MSELVES1 GLORY+ 9 !IR P[] & MAJE/Y4 ,! ,GAURISANK>1  :OSE PEAK PI]CES ! SKY1 & ! ,*AMAL>I1 NOT SO  HI<1 BUT MORE COLOSSAL 9 APPE>ANCE1 BY REASON ( ITS  ISOLATION1 >E D\BLY WOR%IP$ AS ! GREAT GODDESS  UNIT$ TO ! GREAT GOD2 !IR ICE-FIELDS >E A B$ (  CRY/ALS & DIAMONDS 2 ! PURPLE & GOLD CL\DS >E  ! SACR$ VEIL :I* 5WRAPS !M4 ,!RE1 ABOVE1 IS  ! GOD ,SIVA1 :O DE/ROYS & CREATES 2 !RE1 ALSO1 IS  ! GODDESS ,*AMA1 ! ,GAURI1 :O CONCEIVES & PRODUCES2 FROM H] >E DESC5D$ PLANTS1 RIV]S1 ANIMALS1  & MANK9D4  

,9 ?IS WOND]FUL GR[? ( EPIC POETRY & TRADITION  HAVE TAK5 ROOT MANY O!R LEG5DS RELAT+ TO ! M\NTA9S ( ,HIMALAYA1 ALL ( :I* REPRES5T !M AS LIV+  A SUBLIME LIFE1 EI!R AS GODDESSES OR AS ! MO!RS (  CONT95TS & NATIONS4 ,SU* IS ! POETIC LEG5D :I*  PICTURES ! HABITABLE E>? AS A GREAT LOTUS-FL[]1 :OSE  LEAVES >E ! P59SULAS SPREAD \T UPON ! OCEAN1 &  :OSE /AM5S & PI/ILS >E ! M\NTA9S ( ,M]\1  ! SPR+S ( ALL LIFE4 ,! GLACI]S1 ! TORR5TS & RIV]S :I* BR+ D[N 5RI*+ SOIL FROM ABOVE1 >E  ALSO LIV+ BE+S1 GODS & GODDESSES ( A L[] RANK1  :O PLACE ! HUMBLE MORTALS ( ! PLA9S 9 9DIRECT  COMMUNICATION ) ! SUP]IOR DIV9ITIES SITT+ ABOVE  9 LUM9\S SPACE4  

,NOT ONLY ,M\NT ,M]\1 ! CULM9AT+ PO9T ( !  PLANET1 BUT ALL ! O!R RANGES1 ALL ! M\NTA9 HEI<TS  ( ,9DIA1 W]E WOR%IP$ BY ! PEOPLES :O DWELT ON  !IR SIDES & AT !IR BASE4 ,M\NTS ,Y9DHYA1 ,SATPURAH1 ,>AVULLI1 ,NEIL<]RY1 HAD ALL !IR WOR%IP]S4 ,9  ! FLAT C\NTRIES1 :]E ! FAI?FUL HAD NO M\NTA9S  TO LOOK AT1 !Y BUILT !MSELVES TEMPLES1 :I*1 )  !IR R[S ( UN%APELY PYRAMIDS ( HUGE BLOCKS (  GRANITE1 REPRES5T$ ! V5]AT$ HEI<TS ( ,M\NT  ,M]\4 ,P]HAPS IT WAS A SIMIL> S5TIM5T ( AWE =  GREAT ELEVATIONS :I* L$ ! ANCI5T ,EGYPTIANS TO CON/RUCT ! PYRAMIDS1 ?OSE >TIFICIAL M\NTA9S RE>$  UPON A F\NDATION ( S& & CLAY4  

,! ,ISL& ( ,CEYLON1 ,LANKA1 0 ! RESPL5D5T10 ?AT  HAPPY SPOT :]E1 ACCORD+ TO AN ,EA/]N LEG5D1 !  FIR/ ( \R RACE W]E S5T1 BY DIV9E M]CY1 AFT] !IR  EXPULSION FROM ,P>ADISE1 ALSO HAS ITS SACR$ M\NTA9S4  ,SU*1 AMONG O!RS1 IS ,MIH9TALA1 AN ISOLAT$ PEAK 9 !  MIDDLE ( A PLA91 ) ITS SACR$ CITY ( ,AN>AJAPURA4  ,IT WAS ON ! ROCKY SUMMIT ( ,MIH9TALA ?AT ! ,H9DU MISSION>Y ,MAH9DO ALI<T$1 TW5TY -TWO C5TURIES  AGO1 AFT] HIS FLI<T FROM ! BANKS ( ! ,GANGES1 TO  CONV]T ! ,C+ALESE TO ! RELIGION ( ,BUDDHA4 ,A  TEMPLE N[ M>KS ! SPOT :]E ! SA9T DESC5D$2  & ?\< IT IS AN IMM5SE $IFICE1 ! PI\S ZEAL (  ! PILGRIMS IS SO GREAT ?AT !Y HAVE (T5 COV]$ IT  5TIRELY1 FROM BASE TO DOME1 ) A MANTLE ( FL[]S4  

,A BLAZ+ C>BUNCLE GLITT]S AT ! P9NACLE ( ! TEMPLE1 FLA%+ BACK FROM AF> ! RAYS ( ! SUN4 ,=M]LY A RAJAH CAUS$ A GREAT C>PET1 SIX MILES 9 L5G?1  TO BE SPREAD FROM ! TOP ( ! M\NTA9 TO ! PLA9  BEL[1 SO ?AT ! FEET ( ! FAI?FUL MI<T NOT T\*  ! IMPURE DU/ FROM UNCONSECRAT$ E>?4  

,& YET ! FAME ( ?IS SACR$ M\NTA9 ,MIH9TALA  PALES 9 COMP>ISON ) ! CELEBRAT$ ,ADAM'S ,PEAK1  :I* IS VISIBLE F> \T AT SEA TO SAILORS APPROA*+ !  ,ISL& ( ,CEYLON4 ,! IMPRESS ( A GIGANTIC FOOT1 BELONG+1 APP>5TLY1 TO A MAN T5 Y>DS HI<1 IS HOLL[$  9TO ! ROCK AT ! EXTREMITY ( ! PEAK4 ,?IS FOOTPR9T1 SAY ! ,MOHAMM$ANS & ,JEWS1 IS ?AT ( !  FIR/ MAN1 ,ADAM1 :O ASC5D$ ! M\NTA9 TO GET A  VIEW ( ! E>?1 ! VA/ =E/S1 ! M\NTA9S &  PLA9S1 ! %ORES & GREAT OCEAN1 ) ITS ISL&S &  ITS DANG]S4 ,ACCORD+ TO ! ,C+ALESE & ,9DIANS1  ?IS IS NOT ! FOOTPR9T ( A MAN AT ALL1 BUT ( A GOD1  :O HAS LEFT ?IS TRACE ( HIS PRES5CE4 ,?IS REIGN+  DEITY1 ! ,BRAHM9S TELL US1 WAS ,SIVA2 ! ,BUDDHI/S SAY  HE WAS ,BUDDHA2 :ILE ! ,GNO/ICS ( ! E>LY ,*RI/IAN P]IOD CALL HIM ,JEHOVAH4 ,:5 ! CONQU]+  ,PORTUGUESE L&$ ON ! ,ISL& ( ,CEYLON1 !Y1 SO TO  SPEAK1 DEGRAD$ ! M\NTA91 :I*1 9 !IR OP9ION1  DID NOT AT ALL COMP>E ) ! ,HOLY ,L& 2 9 ! MY/]I\S FOOTPR9T !Y SAW NO?+ MORE REM>KABLE  ?AN A TRACE ( ,/4 ,?OMAS1 OR1 P]HAPS1 ( ! ,EUNU*  ( ,C&ACE1 AN ANCI5T MISSION>Y & SECOND-RATE APO/LE4 ,MOSES ,*OREU5SIS1 AN ,>M5IAN1 JEAL\S ( !  CLAIM ( HIS [N NOBLE ,M\NT ,>>AT1 WAS /ILL LESS RESPECTFUL1 & SAW ON ! TOP ( ,ADAM'S ,PEAK ONLY !  FOOTPR9TS ( ,SATAN1 ! ET]NAL 5EMY4 ,F9ALLY1 ! ,5GLI% TRAVEL]S :O1 MORE & MORE EA* YE>1 MADE  ! ASC5T ( ! HOLY M\NTA91 SAW 9 ! 0 DIV9E IMPR9T0 ONLY AN ORD9>Y CAVITY 9 ! ROCK1 5L>G$ &  RUDELY C>V$ 9TO %APE4 ,Y\ CAN IMAG9E ) :AT  CONTEMPT !SE /RANG]S >E REG>D$ BY ! FAI?FUL  :O COME TO PRO/RATE !MSELVES ON ! ROCK1 DEV\TLY  KISS ! FOOTPR9T1 & PLACE !IR (F]+S 9 ! H\SE  ( ! PRIE/4 ,TO !M EV]Y?+ BE>S TE/IMONY TO  ! AU!NTICITY ( ! MIRACLE4 ,AT A PO9T SOME Y>DS  BEL[ ! SUMMIT A SMALL SPR+ FL[S FROM ! ROCK 3 IT  WAS ! /AFF ( ! DEITY ?AT CAUS$ IT TO ISSUE =? 2  NUMB]S ( TREES GR[ UPON ! M\NTA9-SIDE1 & !SE  TREES1 !Y SAY1 9CL9E ALL !IR BRAN*ES T[>DS !  SUMMIT1 TO BLOSSOM & GR[ 9 ! ACT ( WOR%IP4  

,! ROCKS ON ! M\NTA9 >E /REWN ) PRECI\S  /ONES3 !SE >E ! TE>S :I* HAVE FALL5 FROM !  EYES ( ! DEITY AT SI<T ( ! CRIMES & SUFF]+S (  MANK9D4 ,H[ C\LD !Y FAIL TO BELIEVE 9 ! MIRACLE1  9 VIEW ( ALL !SE RI*ES1 :I* SUGGE/$ ! TALES ( !  0 ,?\S& & ,ONE ,NI<TS 80 ,! /REAMLETS :I*  FL[ FROM ! M\NTA9 DO NOT WA% D[N COMMON PEBBLES & S&1 LIKE \R /REAMS 2 !Y BR+ ) !M A  DEPOSIT ( RUBIES & SAPPHIRES & G>NETS1 & !  BA!R :O DISPORTS HIMSELF 9 !IR WAT]S WALL[S1 LIKE  ! SIR5S1 9 A B$ ( PRECI\S /ONES4  

,?OSE RACES ( ! EXTREME ,EA/1 :OSE CIVILIZATION  HAS FOLL[$ A DIFF]5T C\RSE FROM ?AT ( ! ,>YAN  RACE1 HAVE WOR%IP$ !IR M\NTA9S ) ! SAME  F]VOR4 ,9 ,*9A & ,JAPAN1 AS WELL AS 9 ,9DIA1 !  M\NTA9-TOPS >E CR[N$ ) TEMPLES CONSECRAT$ TO  ! GODS1 :5 !Y >E NOT !MSELVES REG>D$ AS TUTEL>Y OR AV5G+ DEITIES2 & TO !SE DIV9E M\NTA9S ! PEOPLE TRY TO CONNECT !IR HI/ORY BY LEG5DS  & TRADITIONS4  

,! MO/ ANCI5T HI/ORIC M\NTA9S >E ?OSE ( ,*9A1 = ! PEOPLE ( ! 0MIDDLE RACE0 W]E AMONG !  FIR/ TO >RIVE AT A KN[L$GE ( !MSELVES1 & ! FIR/  TO WRITE D[N !IR CONNECT$ HI/ORY4 ,!IR SACR$  M\NTA9S1 FIVE 9 NUMB]1 >E ALL 9 DI/RICTS FAM\S  = !IR AGRICULTURE1 !IR 9DU/RIES1 !IR D5SE POPULATION1 & ! REM>KABLE EV5TS :I* HAVE OCCURR$  NE> BY4 ,! MO/ SACR$ ( !SE M\NTA9S1 ! ,TAI,*AN1 OV]TOPS ALL ! O!R HEI<TS 9 ! RI* P59SULA ( ,*AN-,T\NG1 BETWE5 ! TWO GULFS ( ! ,YELL[ ,SEA4 ,FROM ! TOP1 :I* ONE REA*ES BY A PAV$  ROAD & /EPS HEWN 9 ! SOLID ROCK1 ONE SEES /RET*$  AT ITS FEET ! RI* PLA9S :I* ! ,HOANG-,HO CROSSES  AS IT GOES W9D+ AB\T BETWE5 ! TWO GULFS1 SUPPLY+ WAT] TO MULTITUDES ( PEOPLE MORE NUM]\S ?AN  ! LEAVES ( ! =E/4 ,! ,EMP]OR ,*\NG MADE  ! ASC5T F\R HUNDR$ & ?IRTY YE>S AGO1 SO ! HI/ORY ( ! C\NTRY RECORDS4 ,CONFUCIUS1 ALSO1 TRI$ TO  CLIMB TO ! TOP1 BUT ! ASC5T IS DIFFICULT 2 ! PHILOSOPH] /OPP$ %ORT1 & ! SPOT IS /ILL PO9T$ \T :]E  HE TURN$ BACK4 ,ALL ! SUP]IOR GODS & ! PR9CIPAL  G5II HAVE !IR TEMPLES & ALT>S ON ?IS SACR$ M\NTA91 & SO1 LIKEWISE1 HAVE ! CL\DS1 ! SKY1 ! ,GREAT  ,BE>1 & ! ,POL> ,/>4  

,H]E ! T5 ?\S& G5II PAUSE 9 !IR FLI<T TO  CONTEMPLATE ! E>? & ! CITIES ( MANK9D4 0 ,!  HONOR ( ,TAI-,*AN EQUALS ?AT ( HEAV5 3 IT CONTROLS !  WORLD 2 IT COLLECTS ! CL\DS & S5DS US RA9 2 IT DECIDES  UPON BIR?S & DEA?S1 UPON GOOD & BAD =TUNE1  HONOR & DISGRACE4 ,( ALL ! PEAKS :I* T\* ! SKY1 NONE IS WOR?I] ( A VISIT40 ,& SO PILGRIMS FLOCK  !RE 9 CR[DS TO PRAY = ALL M]CIES 2 & ! WAY IS  L9$ ) CAVES :]E BEGG>S ) HIDE\S SORES LIE  9 WAIT1 A HORROR TO PASS]SBY4  

,! ,JAPANESE1 ) MORE REASON 0?AN ! ,*9ESE  = !IR VOLCANIC M\NTA9S >E WOND]FULLY BEAUTIFUL  LOOK UPON !IR SN[-CLAD SUMMITS ) ADORATION4 ,IS  !RE ANY IDOL 9 ! WORLD C\LD RIVAL !IR MAGNIFIC5T  ,FUSI-,YAMA1 ! 0M\NTA9 BEYOND COMP>E10 :I*  RISES ALMO/ ISOLAT$ 9 ! MIDDLE ( A PLA91 ITS BASE  COV]$ ) =E/S1 ITS SIDES ) SN[ 8 ,=M]LY !  VOLCANO P\R$ =? SMOKE1 & SEE!D ) FLAME &  LAVA 2 N[ IT IS SIL5T1 BUT 9 ! ,>*IPELAGO !RE >E  SEV]AL VOLCANIC M\NTA9S :I* /ILL EMIT RIV]S ( FIRE  UPON ! TREMBL+ E>?4  

,AMONG !SE M\NTA9S !RE IS ONE1 ! MO/ T]RIBLE  ( ALL1 :I* PEOPLE ?\<T TO APPEASE BY ?R[+  9TO ! CRAT] ?\S&S ( ,*RI/IANS AS AN (F]+4  ,9 ! SAME WAY1 9 ! ,NEW ,WORLD1 !Y TRI$ TO CALM  ,M\NT ,MONOTOMBO BY CA/+ 9TO IT ! PRIE/S :O  HAD D>$ TO PREA* AGA9/ IT1 DECL>+ IT WAS NOT A GOD1  BUT ! M\? ( HELL4 ,ON ! O!R H&1 VOLCANOES  DO NOT G5]ALLY WAIT = VICTIMS TO BE ?R[N 9TO !IR  CRAT]S2 !Y KN[ ONLY TOO WELL H[ TO LAY HOLD (  !M :5 !Y R5D ! E>?1 P\R D[N LAKES ( MUD1  & COV] :OLE PROV9CES ) A%ES 3 AT ONE /ROKE  !Y DE/ROY ! 9HABITANTS ( AN 5TIRE C\NTRY4 ,IS  NOT ?IS 5\< TO 9SPIRE WOR%IP 9 ! M9DS ( ?OSE  :O B[ !IR HEADS BE=E P[]8 ,! VOLCANO DE/ROYS 2 !RE=E IT IS A GOD4  

,SO M\NTA9-WOR%IP1 LIKE ALL O!R RELIGIONS1 TAKES  POSSESSION ( MAN ?R\< V>I\S 9/9CTS 9 HIS NATURE4  

,AT ! FOOT ( A VOLCANO EJECT+ LAVA1 IT IS T]ROR :I*  MAKES HIM B[ HIS FACE TO ! GR\ND 2 9 ! P>*$  FIELDS1 IT IS NE$ ( HELP ?AT MAKES HIM LOOK APPEAL+.>Y TO ! SN[Y M\NTA9S1 ! S\RCE ( /REAMS 2 GRATITUDE1 ALSO1 HAS MADE WOR%IP]S ( MANY :O HAVE  F\ND A SAFE REFUGE 9 ! VALLEY OR ON ! RUGG$ M\NTA9-SIDE2 F9ALLY1 ADMIRATION W\LD 9SPIRE RELIGI\S  FEEL+ 9 ALL M51 9 PROPORTION AS ! LOVE ( ! BEAUTIFUL WAS DEVELOP$ 9 !M4 ,:AT M\NTA9 IS !RE  ?AT HAS NOT ITS BEAUTIFUL SC5]Y & ITS SAFE PLACE (  REFUGE1 & :I* IS NOT EI!R T]RIBLE OR B5EFIC5T  G5]ALLY BO? TOGE!R8 ,W&]+ TRIBES CAN EASILY  CONNECT ALL !IR TRADITIONS ) ANY M\NTA9 :I*  HAPP5S TO BE UPON !IR HORIZON1 & BR+ !IR RELIGION TO IT 2 SO AT EA* /AGE 9 !IR LONG J\RNEYS A NEW  TEMPLE ]ECTS ITSELF4 ,=M]LY ! W&]+ TRIBES ON  ! PLA9S ( ,P]SIA T[>DS EV5+ ALWAYS SAW A M\NTA9 RIS+ UP FROM ! MIDDLE ( ! S&Y PLA9 3 IT WAS  ,M\NT ,TELESME1 ! HOLY 0 TALISMAN10 :I* FOLL[$  ITS WOR%IP]S 9 !IR W&]+S AB\T ! WORLD 2  & :51 AFT] A LONG J\RNEY1 ! M\NTA9 SE5 FROM  AF> PROV$ TO BE NOT A DECEPTIVE IMAGE1 BUT A REAL  HEI<T ) ITS SN[S & ROCKS1 :O C\LD !N D\BT  ?AT !IR GOD HAD MADE ! J\RNEY TO ACCOMPANY HIS  PEOPLE 8  

,9 ! SAME WAY1 ! M\NTA9 ON :OSE TOP ! FUGITIVES FROM ! ,DELUGE L&$ HAS NEV] CEAS$ MOV+  AB\T FROM PLACE TO PLACE4 ,A ,SAM>ITAN V]SION ( !  ,P5TATEU* ASS]TS ?AT ,ADAM'S ,PEAK IS ! PO9T ON  :I* ,NOAH'S >K CAME TO AN*OR2 O!R V]SIONS DECL>E ?AT ,>>AT IS ! REAL M\NTA9 2 BUT :I* ,>>AT  IS IT 8 ! ONE 9 ,>M5IA1 OR QUITE A DIFF]5T ONE ON :I* ! PRIE/S HAVE F\ND REMA9S ( ! SACR$ %IP 8  ,9 EV]Y P>T ( ! ,EA/ ! PEOPLE CLAIM ?IS HONOR  = !IR [N SPECIAL M\NTA91 :OSE WAT]S IRRIGATE  !IR L&S 3 ?AT1 !Y SAY1 IS ! M\NTA9 FROM :I*  ! /REAM ( LIFE CAME BACK TO E>?1 FOLL[+ !  C\RSE ( ! SN[S & BROOKS4 ,PRO(S >E BY NO MEANS  WANT+ TO SU/A9 ALL !SE TRADITIONS3 HAVE !Y NOT  F\ND PIECES ( PETRIFI$ WOOD1 EV5 UND] ! GLACI]S8  & 9 ! ROCKS !MSELVES1 HAVE !Y NOT DISCOV]$  TRACES ( ?OSE 0R+S ( !4 ,DELUGE0 :I* \R MOD]N  SCI5TI/S CALL AMMONITE FOSSILS8  

,BESIDES !SE1 MORE ?AN A HUNDR$ M\NTA9S 9 ,P]SIA1 ,SYRIA1 ,>ABIA1 & ,ASIA ,M9OR CLAIM TO BE ! L&+-PLACE ( ! PATRI>*1 SECOND FA!R ( ! HUMAN  RACE4 ,GREECE ALSO PO9TS TO H] ,P>NASSUS1 FROM :I*  ! /ONES W]E ?R[N UPON ! GR\ND1 AFT] ! ,DELUGE1 & BECAME M54 ,EV5 9 ,FRANCE !RE >E M\NTA9S 4:]E ! >K IS SAID TO HAVE AN*OR$ 3 ONE (  !SE SACR$ HEI<TS IS ,*AME*&E1 NE> ! ,GR&E  ,*>TREUSE ( ,GR5OBLE2 ANO!R IS ! ,PUY DE ,PRIGUE1  ABOVE ! S\RCES ( ! ,AUDE4  

,! MY? HAS ! M]IT ( CONSI/5CY 2 M5 HAVE  ALWAYS DESC5D$ FROM HI< ELEVATIONS 3 IT IS ALSO FROM  A L(TY EM95CE1 ! ?RONE ( ! ,DEITY1 ?AT ! GREAT  ,VOICE IS HE>D DECL>+ !IR DUTY TO MORTALS4 ,! ,GOD  ( ! ,JEWS SAT ON ! SUMMIT '( ,M\NT ,S9AI AMID  CL\DS & LI<TN+S1 & SPOKE ) ! VOICE ( ?UN-T  D] TO ! PEOPLE ASSEMBL$ ON ! PLA94 ,9 ! SAME  WAY ,BAAL1 ,MOLO* ALL ! SANGU9>Y GODS ( ?OSE  ,ORI5TAL RACES APPE>$ TO !IR FAI?FUL ON ! TOPS (  M\NTA9S4 ,9 ,>ABIA ,PETRSEA1 9 ! L& ( ,$OM &  ,MOAB1 !RE IS NOT A M\NTA9 HEI<T1 NOT A HILL1 NOT A ROCK1 :I* DOES NOT POSSESS ITS GREAT PYRAMID ( /ONES1  ! ALT> ON :I* PRIE/S HAVE SACRIFIC$ BLOOD TO PROPITIATE ! ,DEITY4 ,AT ,BABEL1 :]E !RE WAS NO M\NTA91 !Y SUB/ITUT$ ?AT FAM\S TEMPLE :I* WAS DESIGN$ TO T\* ! HEAV5S4 ,! POET HAS RE/OR$  ?IS GIANT $IFICE1 NOT AS IT WAS1 BUT AS ! PEOPLE PICTUR$ IT 3  

0 ,EA* ( ! L>GE/ M\NTA9S ) ITS GRANITE SIDES  ,W\LD FURNI% BUT ONE /ONE40  

,9 !IR JEAL\S HATR$ ( =EIGN RELIGIONS1 ! ,JEWI%  PROPHETS (T5 CURS$ ! 0 HI<-PLACES10 ON :I* !IR  NEI<BORS SET !IR IDOLS 2 BUT !Y !MSELVES DID NOT  ACT DIFF]5TLY1 & IT WAS TO ! M\NTA9S ?AT !Y  LOOK$1 !NCE TO EVOKE !IR SUCCOR+ ANGELS4 ,!IR  TEMPLE WAS ]ECT$ UPON A M\NTA91 & UPON A M\NTA9 WAS IT ?AT ,ELIJAH CONV]S$ ) ,GOD4 ,:5 !  ,GALILEAN WAS TRANSFIGUR$ & FLOAT$ 9 UNCREAT$ LI<T  ) ! TWO PROPHETS1 ,MOSES & ,ELIJAH1 IT WAS FROM  ,M\NT ,TABOR ?AT ,HE ASC5D$4 ,:5 ,HE DI$ BETWE5 TWO ?IEVES1 IT WAS UPON ! SUMMIT ( A M\NTA9 ?AT HE WAS CRUCIFI$2 & :5 ,HE %ALL COME  AGA91 SAYS ! PROPHECY :5 ,HE %ALL COME AGA91  SURR\ND$ BY SA9TS & ANGELS1 & %ALL TAKE P>T 9  ! PUNI%M5T ( ,HIS 5EMIES1 IT IS UPON A M\NTA9  ?AT ,HE %ALL DESC5D1 :I* ONE T\* ( ,HIS FOOT WILL  SUFFICE TO BREAK4 ,ANO!R M\NTA91 AN IDEAL SUMMIT  BE>+ A NEW CITY ( GOLD & DIAMONDS1 WILL SPR+ UP  9 ! LUM9\S SPACE1 & IT IS !RE ?AT ! *OS5  WILL LIVE = EV]MORE1 F> ABOVE ?IS WORLD ( WE>9ESS  & WOE4  

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,J,U,/ AS ! GLORY ( 9VISIBLE ,GREECE SURPASSES 9 BRILLIANCY ?AT ( ALL O!R EMPIRES ( ! ,EA/1 SO HAS  ,OLYMPUS1 ! L(TIE/1 MO/ BEAUTIFUL ( ! ,HELL5ES'  SACR$ M\NTA9S1 BECOME 9 PEOPLE'S IMAG9ATIONS !  M\NTA9 P> EXCELL5CE2 NO O!R PEAKS1 NOT ?OSE (  ,M]\1 ( ,ELBNRZ1 ( ,>>AT1 NOR ( ,LEBANON1 AWAK5  9 ! M9DS ( M5 ! SAME MEMORIES ( GR&EUR &  MAJE/Y4 ,& FEW1 9DE$1 W]E SO ADMIRABLY & CONSPICU\SLY SITUAT$1 OR S]V$ SO WELL AS A BEACON TO !  RACES OV]RUNN+ ! WORLD4 ,PLAC$ 9 AN ANGLE ( !  4@5,EGEAN ,SEA1 & BY FULLY HALF ITS HEI<T OV]TOPP+ ALL  ! NEI<BOR+ SUMMITS1 ,OLYMPUS CAN BE P]CEIV$ BY  SAILORS FROM 5ORM\S DI/ANCES4 ,FROM ! PLA9S (  ,MAC$ONIA1 FROM ! RI* VALLEYS ( ,!SSALY1 FROM !  M\NTA9S ,O?RYS1 ,P9DUS1 ,B]MIUS1 ,A?OS1 ITS TRIPLE  DOME1 & ITS SLOPES ) ! 0?\S& FOLDS0 ( :I*  ,HOM] SPEAKS1 CAN BE DI/+UI%$ ON ! HORIZON4 ,!  F]TILITY ( ! C\NTRY EXT5D$ AT ITS FEET ATTRACT$ POPULATIONS FROM EV]Y P>T1 :O RNET !RE TO M+LE &  AMALGAMATE 9 V>I\S WAYS1 OR MUTUALLY TO DE/ROY ONE  ANO!R4 ,F9ALLY1 ,OLYMPUS COMM&S ! DEFILES :I*  ! TRIBES OR >MIES ON ! M>* FROM ,ASIA 9TO ,EUROPE1  OR FROM ,GREECE TO ! B>B>\S C\NTRIES ( ! NOR?1 W]E OBLIG$ TO PASS ?R\< 2 IT RISES UP LIKE A MILE/ONE  UPON ! GREAT HI<WAY !N PURSU$ BY NATIONS4  

,SEV]AL O!R M\NTA9S ( ! ,HELL5IC WORLD [$  TO !IR SP>KL+ SN[ ! NAME ,OLYMPUS1 OR ! 0LUM9\S 20 BUT NONE BETT] M]IT$ IT ?AN ?AT ( ,!SSALY1 :OSE SUMMIT S]V$ AS A ?RONE = ! GODS4 ,IT  WAS 9 ! PLA9S & VALLEYS EXT5D$ B5EA? ! %AD[ ( ! GREAT MOIMTA9 ?AT ! PEOPLE ( ,HELLAS HAD  PASS$ ITS NATIONAL 9FANCY4 ,IT WAS FROM ,!SSALY ?AT  CAME ! ,HELL5ES ( ,ATTICA & ! ,PELOPONNESUS 2 IT  WAS !RE ?AT !IR FIR/ H]OES HAD DONE BATTLE )  MON/]S1 & ?AT !IR FIR/ POETS1 GUID$ BY ! VOICE  ( ! ,PI]IDES1 HAD COMPOS$ HYMNS & SONGS ( GLADNESS & VICTORY4 0,:ILE FLOCK+ T[>DS DI/ANT L&S1  ! ,GREEK TRIBES NEV] =GOT ! DIV9E M\NTA9 :I*  HAD PRODUC$ & N\RI%$ !M 9 ITS DALES4  

,ALMO/ EV]Y GREAT EV5T ( MY?ICAL HI/ORY WAS ACCOMPLI%$ 9 ?AT PORTION ( ,GREECE2 ! MO/ IMPORTANT AMONG !M BE+ ! /RUGGLE :I* DECID$ BETWE5 ! SOV]EIGNTY ( ! HEAV5S & ! E>?4  ,OLYMPUS WAS ! CITADEL *OS5 BY ! NEW GODS1 &  ON EV]Y SIDE W]E 5CAMP$ ?OSE ANCI5T DEITIES1 !  MON/R\S ,TITANS1 SONS ( ,*AOS4 ,/&+ UPON !  M\NTA9S ( ,O?RYS1 ! GIANTS SEIZ$ 5ORM\S ROCKS1  :OLE M\NTA9S1 & HURL$ !M AGA9/ HALF-UPROOT$  ,OLYMPUS4 ,?AT !Y MI<T RISE /ILL HI<] T[>DS  ! SKY1 ! OLD ,TITANS PIL$ M\NTA9 UPON M\NTA91  =M+ A P$E/AL = !MSELVES1 BUT ! GREAT SN[Y  SUMMIT ALWAYS OV]TOPP$ !M 2 IT SURR\ND$ ITSELF  ) D>K ?UND]-BEL*+ CL\DS4 ,SUPPLI$ ) !  SAME P[]S BY ! E>?1 ! GIANTS' VOICES W]E FILL$  ) ! RO>+ ( ! /ORMS1 !IR >MS ) ! VIGOR ( ! TEMPE/ 2 ) !IR HUNDR$ >MS !Y HURL$ AT  R&OM !IR HAIL-/ORM ( ROCKS 2 BUT !Y W]E FI<T+  ) ! BL9D FURY ( ! ELEM5TS :5 PITT$ AGA9/  ! Y\NG 9TELLIG5T GODS4 ,!Y SUCCUMB$1 & B5EA? ! RU9S ( ! M\NTA9 5TIRE NATIONS W]E CRU%$ ) !M4 ,IT IS ?US ?AT ! CAPRICES ( K+S HAVE  (T5 CAUS$ NATIONS TO BE MASSACR$ AS IF 9ADV]T5TLY4  

,MANY G5]ATIONS HAD PASS$ AWAY S9CE !SE PRODIGI\S CONFLICTS ( ,OLYMPUS1 ]E ! ,IONIC & ,DORIC TRIBES  FIR/ POSSESS$ POETS TO S+ !IR EXPLOITS1 & SUBSEQU5TLY HI/ORIANS TO REC\NT !M4 ,!N ,ZEUS1 ! FA!R (  GODS & M51 SAT 9 PEACE UPON ! SACR$ M\NTA9 2  HIS ?RONE WAS PLAC$ UPON ! HI<E/ PEAK 2 BY HIS SIDE  WAS ! GODDESS ,H]E1 VIRG9 & MATRON 2 >\ND HIM  W]E PLAC$ ! IMMORTALS1 ) !IR ET]NALLY BEAUTIFUL  & GLAD C\NT5ANCES4 ,A LUM9\S ATMOSPH]E BA!D  ! SUMMIT ( ,OLYMPUS & PLAY$ AMID ! LOCKS (  ! GODS2 NEV] DID TEMPE/S COME TO TR\BLE ! REPOSE  ( !SE HAPPY BE+S 2 NOR RA9 NOR SN[ FELL UPON !  RADIANT SUMMIT4 ,! CL\DS COLLECT$ BY ,ZEUS W]E UNROLL$ AT HIS FEET >\ND ! ROCKS =M+ ! MAGNIFIC5T BASE ( HIS ?RONE4 ,?R\< ! 9T]/ICES ( ?IS  VEIL1 :I* ! ,HORSE OP5$ & %UT ACCORD+ TO !IR  MA/]'S WILL1 ! LATT] LOOK$ D[N UPON ! E>? &  SEA1 ! CITIES & !IR 9HABITANTS4  

,HE HELD 9FLEXIBLE DE/9IES SUSP5D$ ABOVE ! HEADS  ( !SE /RUGGL+ M5 2 HE DECRE$ LIFE OR DEA?1 DI/RIBUT$ B5EFIC5T RA9 OR V5GEFUL ?UND]1 ACCORD+  TO HIS CAPRICE4 ,KO LAM5TATION ASC5D+ FROM BEL[  DI/URB$ ! GODS 9 !IR ET]NAL QUIET4 ,!IR NECT>  WAS EV] DELICI\S1 !IR AMBROSIA ALWAYS EXQUISITE4  ,!Y 9HAL$ ) RELI% ! ODOR ( HECATOMBS2 LI/5$1 AS IF TO MUSIC1 TO ! CONC]T ( SUPPLIANT VOICES4  ,B5EA? !M WAS UNROLL$1 LIKE AN 5DLESS PICTURE1 !  SPECTACLE ( /RUGGLES & ( HUMAN MIS]IES 3 !Y BEHELD  >MIES DA% AGA9/ ONE ANO!R1 FLEETS BECOME +ULF$1  T[NS DISAPPE> AMID FLAMES & SMOKE1 ! POOR TOIL]S  7ALMO/ 9VISIBLE MYRMIDONS7 EXHAU/+ !MSELVES 9  EF=TS TO GA!R 9 H>VE/S ( :I* A MA/] %\LD  DESPOIL !M 2 EV5 B5EA? ! RO(S ( ! DWELL+S  !Y SAW WOM5 WEEP+ & *ILDR5 WAIL+4 ,AF>  (F !IR 5EMY1 ,PROME!US1 WAS DY+ UPON A ROCK (  ,M\NT ,CAUCASUS4 ,SU* W]E ! PLEASURES ( ! GODS4  

,DID EV] A ,HELL5E1 %EPH]D1 PRIE/1 OR K+1 D>E TO  CLIMB UP ! SLOPES ( ,OLYMPUS1 AWAY ABOVE ! L(TY  PA/URES ( ITS DALES & CRE/S8 ,DID EV5 ONE ONLY  V5TURE BY PLAC+ HIS FOOT UPON ! GREAT PEAK1 TO F9D  HIMSELF SUDD5LY 9 ! PRES5CE ( !SE T]RIBLE GODS8  ,ANCI5T WRIT]S TELL US ?AT PHILOSOPH]S >E NOT AFRAID  ( SCAL+ ,M\NT ,ETNA1 AL?\< MU* HI<] ?AN ,OLYMPUS 2 BUT !Y NEV] M5TION ONE S+LE MORTAL :O HAS  HAD ! TEM]ITY TO ASC5D ! M\NTA9 ( ! GODS1  NOT EV5 9 ! DAYS ( SCI5CE1 9 ?AT AGE :5 PHILOSOPH]S TAU<T ?AT ,ZEUS & ! O!R IMMORTALS W]E  M]E CONCEPTIONS ( ! HUMAN M9D4  

,LAT] ON1 O!R RELIGIONS1 DISSEM9AT$ AMONG ! V>IOLIS PEOPLE LIV+ 9 ! SURR\ND+ PLA9S1 TOOK POSSESSION ( ! SACR$ M\NTA9 & CONSECRAT$ IT TO NEW  DIV9ITIES4 ,!RE ! ,GREEK ,*RI/IANS WOR%IP$ !  ,HOLY ,TR9ITY 9/EAD ( ,ZEUS2 !Y /ILL LOOK UPON ITS  ?REE PR9CIPAL PEAKS AS ! ?REE GREAT ?RONES ( HEAV54 ,ONE ( ITS L(TIE/ PO9TS1 :I* =M]LY P]HAPS  BORE A TEMPLE ( ,APOLLO1 IS N[ SURM\NT$ BY A MONA/]Y ( ,/4 ,ELIAS2 ONE ( ITS DALES1 :]E9 ! ,BACCLIANTES W]E WONT TO S+ ,EVOE6 9 HONOR ( ,DIONYSOS  OR ,BAC*US1 IS 9HABIT$ BY ! MONKS ( ,/4 ,D5YS4  ,PRIE/S HAVE SUCCE$$ TO PRIE/S1 & ! SUP]/ITI\S  RESPECT ( MOD]N TIMES TO ! WOR%IP ( ! ANCI5T 2  BUT P]HAPS ! HI<E/ SUMMIT IS YET UNTRODD5 BY  HUMAN /EPS 2 ! S(T LI<T1 RESPL5D5T ABOVE ITS ROCKS  & SN[1 HAS NOT BEAM$ UPON ANY MAN S9CE ! ,HELL5IC GODS TOOK !IR DEP>TURE4  

,A FEW YE>S AGO IT W\LD HAVE BE5 DIFFICULT = A  ,EUROPEAN TO ATTA9 ! SUMMIT ( ! M\NTA91 =  ! ,HELL5IC ,TDEPHTES1 UN]R+ %OTS1 OCCUPI$ ALL ITS  GORGES 2 !Y HAD 5TR5*$ !MSELVES 9 IT1 AS )9  AN 5ORM\S CITADEL1 & !NCE1 RECOMM5C+ ! CONFLICT ( ! GODS AGA9/ ! ,TITANS1 !Y SET \T UPON  !IR EXP$ITIONS AGA9/ ! ,TURKS ( ,M\NT ,OSSA4  ,PR\D ( !IR C\RAGE1 !Y BELIEV$ !MSELVES AS 9V9CIBLE AS ! M\NTA9 UPON :I* !Y LIV$ 2 !Y  5D[$ ,OLYMPUS ITSELF ) LIFE44 0 ,I AM10 SAID ONE  ( !IR SONGS 0 ,I AM ,OLYMPUS1 ILLU/RI\S 9 ALL AGES1  & R5[N$ AMID NATIONS2 =TY -TWO PEAKS BRI/LE  UPON MY BR[ 2 SEV5TY-TWO F\NTA9S FL[ D[N MY  RAV9ES1 & AN EAGLE IS P]*$ UPON MY HI<E/ SUMMIT BE>+ 9 ITS CLAWS ! HEAD ( A VALIANT H]O 60  

,?IS EAGLE1 NO D\BT1 WAS ?AT ( ANCI5T ,ZEUS4 ,EV5  N[ADAYS HE FE$S ON MAN1 BY MAN DE/ROY$4  

,PEOPLE'S IMAG9ATION KN[S NO LIMITS CONC]N+ !  GODS IT HAS CREAT$4 ,9 ! C\RSE ( C5TURIES IT HAS  *ANG$ !IR NAMES1 !IR ATTRIBUTES1 & !IR P[]S1  ACCORD+ TO ! ALT]NATIONS ( HI/ORY1 ! *ANGES (  LANGUAGES1 ! 9DIVIDUAL & NATIONAL V>IATIONS ( TRADITIONS 2 F9ALLY1 IT HAS CAUS$ !M TO DIE1 AS IT GAVE  !M BIR?1 & HAS REPLAC$ !M BY NEW DIV9ITIES4 

,IT ?US CO/S !M BUT LITTLE TO MAKE !IR J\RNEY FROM  M\NTA9 TO M\NTA94 ,EA* SUMMIT1 TOO1 POSSESS$ ITS  [N GOD OR EV5 ITS ,PLEIADES ( CELE/IAL BE+S4 ,ZEUS  DWELT UPON ,M\NT ,IDA JU/ AS HE DID UPON ! ,OLYMPUS  ( ,GREECE1 UPON ?AT ( ,CRETE1 ( ,CYPRUS1 & UPON !  ROCKS ( ! @5,EG9A 2 ,APOLLO HAD HIS DWELL+ UPON ,P>NASSUS & ,HELICON1 UPON ,CYLL5E & ,TAYGETUS1 UPON  ALL ! SCATT]$ M\NTA9S RIS+ \T ( ! ,J,EGEAN  ,SEA4 ,! PEAKS1 GILD$ BY ! RAYS ( DAWN+ DAY1  :5 ! L[] PLA9S /ILL LAY 9 %AD[1 W]E TO BE  CONSECRAT$ TO ! GOD ( ! SUN4 ,& ALMO/ ALL !  ISOLAT$ SUMMITS ( ,HELLAS AT ! PRES5T DAY BE> !  NAME ( ,ELIAS4 ,! ,JEWI% PROPHET1 BY VIRTUE ( HIS  NAME1 HAS ?US BECOME ! HEIR ( ,HELIOS1 SON ( ,JUPIT]4  0 ,BEHOLD ?IS ?RONE1 ! C5T] ( ! E>?10 SAID @5,ES*YLUS1 9 SPEAK+ ( ,DELPHOS4 ,?IS C5TRAL PILL> ROSE  UP 9 MANY ANO!R PLACE1 ACCORD+ TO ! POET'S FANCY  OR POPUL> IMAG9ATION4 ,P9D> BEHELD IT 9 ,ETNA 2 !  SAILORS FROM ! ,>*IPELAGO PO9T$ \T ,M\NT ,A?OS1  ?AT GREAT L&M>K :I* C\LD ALWAYS BE DISC]N$  ABOVE ! WAT]S1 :E!R ON QUITT+ ! %ORES ( ,ASIA  OR :ILE SAIL+ ON ! SEAS ( ,EUROPE4 ,SO L(TY IS ?IS  M\NTA9 ?AT UPON IT ! SUN IS SAID TO GO TO RE/ ?REE  H\RS LAT] ?AN 9 ! PLA9S AT ITS FEET 2 IT CAN OV]LOOK  ! MO/ DI/ANT CONF9ES ( ! E>?4 ,:5 ,HELLAS1  =M]LY FREE1 WAS SUBJUGAT$ BY ! ,MAC$ONIAN1 :5  IT BECAME ! SLAVE ( A MA/]1 IT F\ND A FLATT]] VILE  5\<1 A MAN SYCOPHANTI% 5\<1 TO IMPLORE ,ALEX&]1 :O4 HAD DECRE$ ?AT HE %\LD BE PROCLAIM$ A  GOD1 TO EMPLOY AN >MY TO TRANS=M ,M\NT ,A?OS 9TO  A /ATUE ( ! NEW SON ( ,ZEUS1 0MORE P[]FUL ?AN  HIS FA!R40  

,?IS IMPOSSIBLE TASK MI<T HAVE TEMPT$ AN UP/>T  GOD1 :O WAS MAD ) PRIDE 2 YET EV5 ,ALEX&] D>$  NOT UND]TAKE IT4 ,! M>9]S SAIL+ AT ! FOOT (  ! GREAT M\NTA9 CONT9U$ TO LOOK UPON IT AS AN ANCI5T DEITY UNTIL ! DAY :]EON BEGAN ANO!R CYCLE  9 HI/ORY1 BR++ ) IT A NEW RELIGION & NEW DIV9ITIES4 ,!N PEOPLE TOLD H[ ,M\NT ,A?OS WAS !  V]Y M\NTA9 TO :I* ! DEVIL TRANSPORT$ ,JESUS !  ,GALILEAN1 TO %[ HIM ALL ! K+DOMS ( ! E>? LY+ \T/RET*$ AT HIS FEET ,EUROPE1 ,ASIA1 & ! ISL&S ( ! SEA4 ,! 9HABITANTS ( ,A?OS /ILL BELIEVE  ?IS2 & W\LD IT1 9DE$1 BE POSSIBLE TO F9D A PEAK  :5CE ! VIEW1 IF NOT MORE VA/1 AT LEA/ W]E MORE  BEAUTIFUL OR MORE V>I$ 8  

,\TSIDE ! ,HELL5IC WORLD1 :]E POPUL> IMAG9ATION WAS SO POETICAL & SO F]TILE1 ! PEOPLE LOOK$  UPON !IR M\NTA9S AS ! ?RONES ( ! LORDS (  HEAV5 & E>?4 ,NOT ONLY W]E ! GREAT SUMMITS (  ! ,ALPS WOR%IP$ AS ! DWELL+-PLACE ( ! GODS1  & AS ! GODS !MSELVES1 BUT EV5 AS F> AS ! PLA9S  ( ,NOR!RN ,G]MANY & ( ,D5M>K1 LITTLE HILLS1 RAIS+ !IR BR[S ABOVE ! UNI=M LEVEL1 W]E ,M\NTS  ,OLYMPUS1 NOT LESS V5]AT$ ?AN ?AT ( ,!SSALY HAD  BE5 BY ! ,GREEKS2 EV5 9 DI/ANT ,ICEL&1 9 ?AT  L& ( FOGS & ET]NAL FRO/S1 ! WOR%IP]S ( CELE/IAL SOV]EIGNS TURN$ TO ! M\NTA9S ( ! 9T]IOR1  BELIEV+ TO BEHOLD 9 !M ! ?RONE ( !IR DEITIES4  ,)\T D\BT1 HAD !Y BE5 ABLE TO CLIMB TO ! TOP  ( !SE VOLCANOES1 FURR[$ ) DEEP RAV9ES1 IF !Y  HAD BEHELD ! HORROR ( !SE CRAT]S :]E9 LAVA &  SN[ 9CESSANTLY /RUGGL$ TOGE!R1 !Y W\LD NEV]  HAVE ?\<T ( MAK+ !SE T]RIBLE PLACES ! 5*ANT$ HOMES ( !IR HAPPY DIV9ITIES4 ,BUT !Y ONLY  VIEW$ !SE M\NTA9S FROM AF>2 !Y P]CEIV$ !  PEAKS SP>KL+ ?R\< ! RIV5 CL\DS1 & PICTUR$  !M ! MORE BEAUTIFUL 9 PROPORTION AS ! PLA9S AT  !IR BASE W]E WILD] & MORE DIFFICULT TO TRAV]SE4  ,!SE M\NTA9S1 SEP>AT$ FROM ! E>? ( MANK9D  BY B>RI]S ( IMPASSABLE PRECIPICES1 W]E ! CITY (  ,ASG>D1 :]E1 B5EA? AN EV] -CLEM5T SKY1 DWELT !  BLISSFUL GODS4 ,! GREAT CL\D ( VAPORS1 ASC5D+ FROM  ! SUMMIT ( ! DIV9E M\NTA91 & /RET*+ F>  A?W>T ! SKY1 WAS NO COLUMN ( C9D]S 2 IT WAS !  GIANT A%-TREE ,YGGDRASIL1 B5EA? :OSE %AD[ REPOS$  ! MA/]S ( ! UNIV]SE4  

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,R,E,L,I,G,I,O,N,S >E SL[LY TRANS=M$4 ,?OSE ( ! ANCI5T WORLD1 APP>5TLY EXT+UI%$ = SO MANY G5]ATIONS1 CONT9UE TO EXI/ B5EA? ! EXT]IOR ( MOD]N  BELIEFS4 ,! NAMES ( ! GODS HAVE FREQU5TLY BE5  *ANG$1 BUT ! ALT> HAS REMA9$ ! SAME4 ,! ATTRIBUTES ( ! ,DIV9ITY >E /ILL :AT !Y W]E4 TWO ?\S& YE>S AGO1 & ! FAI? :I* 9VOKES IT HAS PRES]V$ ! 0HOLY SIMPLICITY0 ( ITS FANATICISM4 ,9 !  WILD VALLEYS ( ,OLYMPUS1 :]E GAMBOL$ ! DI%EVEL$ ,BAC*ANTES1 MONKS N[ MUTT] !IR PRAY]S 2 UPON  HOLY ,M\NT ,A?OS1 WOR%IP$ FROM ! SURFACE ( !  MURMUR+ WAVES BY M>9]S ( EV]Y RACE & EV]Y  TONGUE1 N9E HUNDR$ & ?IRTY-SIX *UR*ES RISE UP 9  HONOR ( ALL ! SA9TS 2 ! ,GOD ( ,*RI/IANS HAS BECOME  ! HEIR ( ,ZEUS1 :O HIMSELF SUCCE$$ MORE ANCI5T  DEITIES4 ,JU/ SO AT ,SYRACUSE1 ! ,TEMPLE ( ,M9]VA1  :OSE GOLD5 SPIRE ! SAILORS SALUT$ FROM AF> BY P\R+ A BEAK] ( W9E 9TO ! WAT]S1 HAS BE5 *ANG$  9TO A *UR* ( ! ,HOLY ,VIRG94 ,EV]Y PROMONTORY  RUNN+ 9TO ! SEA1 & ON L& EV]Y BR[ ( A HILL1  EV]Y M\NTA9 CR[N$ ) A TEMPLE1 HAS RETA9$ ITS  WOR%IP]S :ILE *ANG+ ITS NAME4 ,A TRAVEL] W&]S OV] ! ,ISL& ( ,CYPRUS 9 SE>* ( A TEMPLE ( ,V5US ,APHRODITE4 0 0,WE NO LONG] CALL H] ,APHRODITE10  DEV\TLY CRIES ! WOMAN :OM HE QUE/IONS 2 0 WE N[  CALL HE"9R ! ,*RYSOPOLITE ,VIRG940  

,BUT NOT ONLY HAVE ,*RI/IAN NATIONS CONT9U$ TO V5]ATE ! SACR$ M\NTA9S ( ! ,GREEKS & ,ROMANS1  !Y HAVE ALSO PROPAGAT$ ?AT RELIGION 9 !IR [N  FA%ION ?R\<\T EV]Y C\NTRY 9HABIT$ BY !M1 9  ! SAME MANN] AS \R =EFA!RS 9 LEG5D>Y DAYS4  ,\R NE>] ANCE/ORS1 LIV+ 9 ! ,MIDDLE ,AGES1 C\LD  NOT LOOK UPON A M\NTA9 )\T !IR IMAG9ATION PEOPL+ ITS MY/]I\S VALLEYS & RADIANT SUMMITS ) SUP]IOR BE+S4 ,IT IS TRUE ?AT !SE BE+S HAD NO RI<T  TO ! TITLE ( GODS 3 CURS$ BY ! ,*UR*1 !Y TRANS=M$ !MSELVES 9TO DEVILS1 9TO MALEVOL5T DEMONS 2  OR P]HAPS1 TOL]AT$ BY IT1 !Y BECAME TUTEL>Y G5II1  UNRECOGNIZ$ GODS1 M]ELY 9VOK$ BY /EAL?4  

,JUPIT]1 ,APOLLO1 ,V5US1 HAV+ DESC5D$ FROM !IR  ?RONES1 TOOK REFUGE 9 ! DEP?S ( CAVES 2 !Y :OSE  AUGU/ FACES HAD BEAM$ 9 LI<T W]E CONDEMN$ H5CE=? TO LIVE 9 ! D>KNESS ( CAV]NS4  

,! ,OLYMPIC FEA/S W]E TRANS=M$ 9TO NOCTURNAL  REVELS1 :I!R W5T HIDE\S WIT*ES RID+ ON BROOMS1  TO EVOKE ! DEVIL ON TEMPE/U\S NI<TS4 ,!N1 TOO1 !  COLD CLIMATE1 ! CL\DY SKY ( \R NOR!RN C\NTRIES1  MU/ HAVE GREATLY CONTRIBUT$ TO ! IMPRISONM5T (  ! ANCI5T GODS4 ,H[ C\LD !Y1 B5EA? W9D &  SN[1 9 ! MID/ ( /ORMS1 C>RY ON !IR JOYFUL BANQUETS1 5JOY !IR AMBROSIA1 & PLAY UPON !IR GOLD5  LYRES 8 0,WE CAN H>DLY EV5 9 \R DREAMS PICTURE !IR  PRES5CE 9 !SE FANTA/IC PALACES1 CON/RUCT$ 9 ONE  MOM5T BY ! SUN'S RAYS UPON ?OSE EFFULG5T PEAKS1 &  VANI%+ NOT LESS QUICKLY LIKE VISIONS OR VA9 MIRAGES6  

,GODS & G5II >E ! P]SONIFICATION ( ALL ?AT MAN  DREADS & DESIRES4 ,ALL HIS T]RORS1 ALL HIS PASSIONS1 =M]LY ASSUM$ A SUP]NATURAL =M4 ,SOME1 TOO1 AMONG  ! M\NTA9 SPIRITS >E R$\BTABLE MAGICIANS1 :O BURN  ! GRASS ( ! MEAD[S1 KILL ! CATTLE1 CA/ A SPELL OV]  ! PASS]SBY 2 O!RS1 ON ! CONTR>Y1 >E B5EVOL5T  BE+S1 :OSE FAVOR IS CONCILIAT$ BY ! LIBATION ( A  B[L ( MILK1 OR EV5 BY A SIMPLE 9CANTATION4 ,IT IS !  GOOD SPIRIT ?AT ! %EPH]D IMPLORES TO MAKE HIS LAMBS  GR[ /RONG & HIS HEIF]S UNBLEMI%$4 ,IT IS ( HIM  ESPECIALLY ?AT Y\NG & OLD1 MALE & FEMALE1 ASK ?AT  :I* UNHAPPILY W\LD BE = ALMO/ ALL ! SUPREME JOY  ( LIFE GOLD1 RI*ES1 TREASURES4 ,OLD TRADITIONS TELL US H[  ! G5II ( ! M\NTA9 GLIDE 9TO ! VE9S ( !  /ONES !RE9 TO 9S]T CRY/ALS & METAL1 V>I\SLY TO  M+LE E>? & M9]ALS4 ,O!R LEG5DS TELL US H[  & AT :AT H\R WE MU/ KNOCK AT ! SACR$ /ONE HID+ ! RI*ES 2 :AT SIGNS MU/ BE MADE1 :AT /RANGE  SYLLABLES MU/ BE PRON\NC$4 ,BUT LET ONE ITEM BE =GOTT51 ONE S\ND ASSUME ! PLACE ( ANO!R1 & ALL  ! =MULAS ( 9CANTATION >E FUTILE4  

,I HAVE SE5 5ORM\S EXCAVATIONS UND]TAK5 BY M\NTA9E]S AT ! TOP ( A ROCKY PO9T CONCEAL$ BY SN[  DUR+ N9E MON?S 9 ! YE>4 ,?AT PO9T WAS CONSECRAT$ TO A SA9T1 :O HIMSELF HAD SUCCE$$ TO A PAGAN  DEITY AS ! GU>DIAN ( ! M\NTA94 ,EA* SUMM]  ! TREASURE-SEEK]S RETURN$ TO DIG F>!R 9TO ! SUMMIT1 MAK+ USE ( SACRAM5TAL WORDS & GE/URES4  ,!Y F\ND NO?+ BUT SLABS ( S*I/ B5EA? O!R  SIMIL> SLABS2 YET1 UNWE>Y+LY1 SOME GRE$Y DIGG]  W\LD CONT9UE HIS WORK1 /RIV+ TO 9VOKE ! SPIRIT  BY SOME NOVEL =MULA1 SOME VICTORI\S CRY4  

,MORE 9T]E/+ ?AN !SE GU>DIAN DEITIES ( TREASURES >E ?OSE :O1 9 ! M\NTA9 CAV]NS1 >E *>G$  TO PRES]VE ! G5IUS ( A :OLE RACE4 ,CONCEAL$ 9  ! DEP?S ( ! ROCK1 !Y REPRES5T ! 5TIRE PEOPLE1  ) ITS TRADITIONS1 ITS HI/ORY1 ITS FUTURE4 ,AS OLD AS !  M\NTA9 ITSELF1 !Y WILL 5DURE AS LONG AS IT 2 & SO  LONG AS !Y LIVE WILL ?AT RACE EXI/ ( :I* ! V>I\S GR\PS >E SCATT]$ 9 ! SURR\ND+ VALLEYS4 ,IT  IS ! SPIRIT :O1 9 HIS PR(\ND ?\<T1 CONC5TRATES  ALL ! BU/LE1 ALL ! FLUX & REFLUX1 ( ! BUSY NATION  AT HIS FEET4 ,?US ! ,BASQUES LOOK ) PRIDE AT !  PEAK ( ,ANIE1 :]E HIDES !IR GOD1 UNKN[N TO !  PRIE/S1 BUT ALL ! MORE REAL4 0 ,SO LONG AS HE IS !RE10  SAY !Y1 0 WE %ALL BE !RE TOO 60 ,& WILL+LY !Y  W\LD BELIEVE !MSELVES TO BE ET]NAL1 !Y :OSE LANGUAGE WILL DISAPPE> TO-MORR[ 6  

,TO ! SAME ORD] ( POPUL> BELIEFS BELONG ! LEG5DS ( ?OSE W>RIORS OR PROPHETS :O1 HIDD5 9 SOME  DEEP M\NTA9 CAVE1 >E AWAIT+ ! COM+ ( ! DAY4  ,SU* IS ! MY? ( ?AT ,G]MAN EMP]OR :O SAT DREAM+1 LEAN+ HIS ELB[S UPON A TABLE ( /ONE1 & :OSE  :ITE BE>D1 CON/ANTLY GR[+ LONG]1 HAD TAK5 ROOT  9 ! ROCK4 ,SOMETIMES A HUNTSMAN1 P]HAPS A B&IT1  W\LD P5ETRATE 9TO ! CAV]N & TR\BLE ! DREAM  ( ! MI<TY OLD MAN4 ,! LATT] W\LD SL[LY LIFT UP  HIS HEAD1 ASK A QUE/ION ( ! TREMBL+ 9TRUD]1 !N  RESUME HIS 9T]RUPT$ DREAM4 0 ,NOT YET 60 SI<$ HE4  ,= :AT WAS HE WAIT+ ?AT HE MI<T DIE 9 PEACE 8  ,NO D\BT ! E*O ( SOME GREAT BATTLE1 ! ODOR ( SOME  RIV] ( HUMAN BLOOD1 AN IMM5SE REVEL 9 HONOR ( HIS  REIGN4 ,AH 6 MAY ?AT LA/ BATTLE HAVE ALREADY BE5 DELIV]$1 & ! GLOOMY EMP]OR N[ BE NO?+ MORE  ?AN A HEAP ( A%ES 6  

,H[ MU* MORE T\*+1 MU* MORE BEAUTIFUL1 IS ?AT  LEG5D ( ! ?REE ,SWITZ]S :O >E ALSO AWAIT+ DAYBREAK 9 ! DEP?S ( A L(TY M\NTA9 ( ! OLD CANTONS 6 ,!Y >E ?REE1 LIKE ?OSE ?REE :O 9 ! MEAD[S ( ,GRATLI V[$ TO SET !MSELVES FREE 2 & ALL ?REE  BE> ! NAME ( ,TELL1 AS DID HE :O OV]?REW ! TYRANT4 ,!Y1 TOO1 SLEEP !Y DREAM4 ,BUT IT IS NOT (  GLORY ?AT !Y >E ?9K+ 2 IT IS ( LIB]TY NOT ONLY  ( ,SWISS LIB]TY1 BUT ( ?AT ( ALL MANK9D4 ,FROM TIME  TO TIME ONE WILL GO =? TO LOOK UPON ! WORLD ( LAKES  & PLA9S1 YET SADLY HE RETURNS TO HIS COMPANIONS4 0 ,NOT  YET 60 SI<S HE4 ,! GREAT DAY ( DELIV]ANCE IS NOT COME4  ,EV] SLAVES1 ! PEOPLE HAVE NOT CEAS$ TO WOR%IP !IR  MA/]S' HATS4  

,*,A,P,T,] ,X,X,I,I4  

,M,A,N4 

,L,E,T US WAIT1 H[EV]1 WAIT ) CONFID5CE 2 ! DAY  WILL COME 2 ! GODS WILL PASS AWAY1 BE>+ ) !M  ! CORTEGES ( K+S1 !IR MELAN*OLY REPRES5TATIVES  UPON E>?4 ,MAN IS SL[LY LE>N+ TO SPEAK ! LANGUAGE  ( LIB]TY 2 HE WILL ALSO LE>N TO PRACTICE ITS CU/OMS4  

,?OSE M\NTA9S :I* AT LEA/ POSSESS ! M]IT (  BE+ BEAUTIFUL BELONG TO ! NUMB] ( GODS :OM  WE >E BEG9N+ NOT TO WOR%IP4 ,!IR ?UND]S &  AVALAN*ES HAVE CEAS$ TO BE = US ! FULM9ATIONS (  ,JUPIT]2 !IR CL\DS >E NO LONG] ! ROBE ( ,JUNO4  ,H5CE=? WE CAN FE>LESSLY 9VADE ! HI< VALLEYS1 !  ABODE ( ! GODS :I!R ! G5II REPAIR4 ,IT IS PRECISELY ! ONCE-DREAD$ SUMMITS :I* HAVE BECOME !  AIM ( ?\S&S ( TRAVEL]S :O HAVE SET BE=E !MSELVES ! TASK ( LEAV+ NOT A S+LE ROCK1 NOT A S+LE  B$ ( ICE1 UNTRODD5 BY HUMAN FOOT/EPS4 ,9 \R POPUL\S C\NTRIES ( ,WE/]N ,EUROPE EV]Y SUMMIT HAS ALREADY BE5 SUCCESSIVELY CONQU]$ 2 ?OSE ( ,ASIA1 ,AFRICA1  ,AM]ICA1 WILL BE SO 9 !IR TURN4 ,N[ ?AT ! ]A (  GREAT GEOGRAPHICAL DISCOV]IES IS ALMO/ AT AN 5D1 &1  ) ! EXCEPTION ( A FEW LAKES1 ! WORLD IS ALMO/  5TIRELY KN[N1 O!R TRAVEL]S1 OBLIG$ TO CONT5T !MSELVES ) LESS] GLORY1 DISPUTE ) ONE ANO!R1 9 GREAT NUMB]S ! HONOR ( BE+ ! FIR/ TO ASC5D !  AS YET UNVISIT$ M\NTA9S4 ,!SE CLIMB+ AMATEURS GO  AS F> AS ,GRE5L& 9 SE>* ( SOME UNKN[N SUMMIT4  

,AMONG !M >E SOME :O1 /RIV+ ANNUALLY DUR+  ! SUMM] SEASON TO ASC5D A DIFFICULT L(TY PEAK1 >E  /IRR$ BY A VA+LORI\S MOTIVE4 ,PEOPLE SAY ?AT !Y  SEEK A CONTEMPTIBLE MEANS ( CAUS+ !IR NAMES TO BE  REPEAT$ 9 NEWSPAP] AFT] NEWSPAP]1 AS IF BY A SIMPLE  ASC5T !Y HAD P]=M$ SOME WORK ( USE TO MANK9D4 ,>RIV$ AT ! SUMMIT1 ) H&S /IFF5$ BY  ! COLD1 !Y 9DICT A DETAIL$ REPORT ( !IR TRIUMPH1  NOISILY UNCORK BOTTLES ( *AMPAGNE1 FIRE (F PI/OLS LIKE  TRUE CONQU]ORS1 & FRANTICALLY WAVE !IR FLAGS4 ,!Y  BR+ SEV]AL /ONES TO ?AT P>T ( ! M\NTA9-PEAK  :I* IS NOT CLO!D ) A D5SE CUPOLA ( SN[1 ADD+  A FEW 9*ES TO ITS HEI<T4 ,!Y >E K+S1 LORDS ( !  WORLD1 S9CE ! :OLE M\NTA9 IS TO !M BUT AN 5ORM\S P$E/AL1 & !Y BEHOLD K+DOMS LY+ AT !IR  FEET4 ,!Y PUT \T !IR H&S AS IF TO GRASP IT4 ,IT WAS  ?US ?AT A RU/IC POET1 9VIT$ = ! FIR/ TIME TO VISIT  A ROYAL CA/LE1 ASK$ P]MISSION TO ASC5D ! ?RONE =  ONE MOM5T4 ,NO SOON] DID HE F9D HIMSELF !RE ?AN  ! DIZZY S5SATION ( P[] TOOK POSSESSION ( HIM4  ,HE SAW A FLY FLITT+ BESIDE HIM4 0 ,AH 6 ,I AM A K+  N[ R 2 ,I WILL CRU% Y\ 60 & ) ONE BL[ ( HIS  D\BL$-UP H& HE /RET*$ ! POOR 9SECT UPON !  >M ( ! GILD$ *AIR4  

,YET EV5 ! MODE/ MAN HE :O NEV] TALKS ( HIS  ASC5TS1 & DOES NOT ASPIRE TO ! EPHEM]AL GLORY (  HAV+ SCAL$ SOME DIFFICULT PEAK EV5 HE EXP]I5CES  GREAT DELI<T :5 HE PLANTS HIS FOOT UPON A L(TY SUMMIT4 ,IT WAS NOT M]ELY ) ! WI% ( ASSI/+ SCI5CE ?AT ,DE ,SAUSSURE KEPT HIS EYES FIX$ = YE>S UPON !  DOME ( ,MONT ,BLANC1 ?AT HE MADE SO MANY ATTEMPTS  TO ASC5D IT4 ,:51 SUBSEQU5TLY TO ,BALMAT1 HE DID  REA* ! SN[1 UNTIL !N 9VIOLATE1 HE WAS NOT ONLY  DELI<T$ TO BE ABLE TO MAKE FRE% OBS]VATIONS1 BUT HE  ALSO 9DULG$ 9 ! NAIVE HAPP9ESS ( HAV+ AT LA/  SURM\NT$ ?AT REBELLI\S M\NTA94 ,BO? ! HUNTSMAN :O PURSUES ANIMALS & HE :O1 ALAS 6 PURSUES MAN  >E ALSO DELI<T$ :51 AFT] A DESP]ATE *ASE ?R\<  WOODS & RAV9ES1 HILLS & VALLEYS1 !Y F9D !MSELVES  FACE TO FACE ) !IR VICTIM1 & SUCCE$ 9 BR++  HIM D[N ) A BULLET4 ,FATIGUES1 DANG]S1 NO?+ HAS  /AY$ !M1 SUPPORT$ AS !Y W]E BY HOPE 2 &1 N[  ?AT !Y RE/ BESIDE !IR FALL5 PREY1 !Y =GET ALL  ?AT !Y HAVE UND]GONE4 ,! M\NTA9-CLIMB]1 LIKE  ! HUNTSMAN1 EXP]I5CES ! DELI<T ( CONQUE/ AFT]  TOIL 2 YET HE 5JOYS ! PLEASURE ALL ! MORE 9 ?AT HE  HAS RISK$ NONE BUT HIS [N LIFE 2 HE HAS KEPT HIS H&S  UN/A9$4  

,9 MAK+ GREAT ASC5TS1 DANG] IS (T5 V]Y NE>1  & ! RISK ( DEA? RUN EV]Y MOM5T2 BUT ON !  CLIMB] GOES1 FEEL+ SUPPORT$1 KEPT UP BY A /RONG  S5SE ( GLADNESS AT ! CONTEMPLATION ( ALL ?OSE P]ILS :I* HE KN[S H[ TO AVOID BY ! /R5G? ( HIS  MUSCLES & HIS READY PRES5CE ( M9D4 ,FREQU5TLY HE  IS OBLIG$ TO CREEP ALONG A SLOPE ( FROZ5 SN[1 :]EON  ! SLI<TE/ FALSE /EP W\LD DA% HIM OV] A PRECIPICE4  ,AT O!R TIMES HE CRAWLS UPON A GLACI]1 HANG+ ON TO  A SIMPLE L$GE ( SN[1 :I*1 IF IT W]E TO GIVE WAY1  W\LD CA/ HIM 9TO A FA?OMLESS GULF4 ,(T51 TOO1 IT  HAPP5S ?AT HE MU/ SCALE WALLS ( ROCKS BY PROJECTIONS  H>DLY WIDE 5\< = ONE FOOT TO F9D /&+-ROOM1 & :I* >E COV]$ ) A CRU/ ( %EET-ICE1 TREMBL+1 SO TO SAY1 UND] ! 9FLU5CE ( ! ICY WAT]  TRICKL+ B5EA?4 ,BUT SU* >E HIS C\RAGE & CALMNESS  ( M9D ?AT NOT A MUSCLE ALL[S ITSELF TO MAKE ONE  WRONG MOVEM5T1 >ID ALL IS 9 P]FECT H>MONY 9 !  EF=T TO AV]T ! DANG]4 ,A TRAVEL] SLIPS UPON A /EEP  ROCK ( POLI%$ SLATE1 5D+ ABRUPTLY AT ! $GE ( A  PRECIPICE A HUNDR$ Y>DS DEEP4 ,HE DESC5DS )  DIZZY RAPIDITY D[N ! SLIPP]Y 9CL9E2 BUT HE /RET*ES  HIMSELF \T AT FULL L5G? SO AS TO PRES5T A L>G] SURFACE ( FRICTION & TO TAKE ADVANTAGE ( EV]Y LITTLE  ASP]ITY ( ! ROCK 2 HE USES HIS >MS & LEGS SO SKILLFULLY AS BRAKES ?AT AT LA/ HE /OPS HIMSELF ON ! $GE  ( ! ABYSS4 ,JU/ !RE A T9Y /REAMLET RIPPLES OV]  ! /ONE BE=E TUMBL+ D[N AS A WAT]FALL4 ,!  TRAVEL] WAS ?IR/Y4 ,HE COOLLY DRANK1 DIPP+ HIS FACE  9 ! WAT]1 ]E HE ?\<T ( GETT+ UP TO RESUME HIS  PA? OV] A LESS P]IL\S ROCK4  

,! TRAVEL] LOVES ! M\NTA9 ALL ! MORE = !  RISK HE RUNS ( P]I%+ UPON IT 2 BUT ! S5SE ( DANG] OV]COME IS NOT ! ONLY PLEASURE ( ! ASC5T1 ESPECIALLY TO A MAN :O DUR+ ! C\RSE ( HIS LIFE-TIME  HAS BE5 OBLIG$ TO UND]GO H>D /RUGGLES 9 ORD] TO  DO HIS DUTY4 ,9 SPITE ( HIMSELF1 HE CANNOT REFUSE TO  LOOK UPON ! ROAD JU/ TRAV]S$1 ) ITS DIFFICULT PASSES1  ITS SN[1 ITS CREVASSES1 ITS OB/ACLES ( EV]Y K9D1 AS AN  IMAGE ( ! TOILSOME PA? ( VIRTUE 2 ?IS COMP>ISON (  MAT]IAL MATT]S ) ! MORAL WORLD =CES ITSELF UPON  HIS M9D4 0,9 DEFIANCE ( NATURE1 ,I HAVE SUCCE$$10  ?9KS HE2 0,I HAVE PLAC$ ! SUMMIT B5EA? MY FEET2  ,I HAVE SUFF]$1 IT IS TRUE1 BUT ,I HAVE CONQU]$1 & !  TASK IS ACCOMPLI%$40 ,?IS FEEL+ ACTS ) ALL ITS =CE UPON ?OSE :O MAKE IT A TRULY SCI5TIFIC MISSION  TO ASC5D A DANG]\S HEI<T1 EI!R TO /UDY ITS ROCKS  & FOSSILS1 OR TO SET UP !IR 9/RUM5TS & SKET* A  MAP ( ! C\NTRY4 ,!Y HAVE1 9DE$1 ! RI<T TO  APPLAUD !MSELVES :5 !Y HAVE GA9$ ! TOP2 IF  ANY EVIL BEFALLS !M ON !IR J\RNEY1 !Y HAVE A RI<T  TO ! DIGNITY ( A M>TYR4 ,GRATEFUL MANK9D \<T TO  REMEMB] !IR NAMES1 NOBLE 9 A V]Y DIFF]5T MANN]  FROM ?AT ( SO MANY FICTITI\SLY GREAT M5 6  

,SOON] OR LAT] ! H]OIC AGES ( EXPLOR+ M\NTA9S  MU/ COME TO AN 5D1 AS WILL ?AT ( EXPLOR+ ! E>?  ITSELF1 & ! FAME ( ! R5[N$ TRAVEL]S WILL HAVE  BE5 TRANS=M$ 9TO A LEG5D4 ,ONE AFT] ANO!R !  ASC5T ( EV]Y M\NTA9 9 POPUL\S C\NTRIES WILL HAVE  BE5 MADE 2 EASY FOOTPA?S1 !N DRIV+-ROADS1 WILL HAVE  BE5 CON/RUCT$ FROM ! BASE TO ! SUMMIT1 9 ORD]  TO FACILITATE ! MEANS ( ACCESS1 EV5 = ?OSE :O >E  WORN \T & FEEBLE2 A M9E WILL HAVE BE5 SPRUNG 9  ! CREVASSES ( GLACI]S TO %[ COCKNEYS ! TEXTURE (  ! CRY/ALS2 ME*ANICAL HOI/S WILL HAVE BE5 ]ECT$  UPON ! WALLS ( M\NTA9S =M]LY 9ACCESSIBLE1 &  0 T\RI/S 0 WILL ALL[ !MSELVES TO BE :ISK$ UP DIZZY  HEI<TS :ILE SMOK+ !IR CIG>S & TALK+ SC&AL4  

,BUT >E WE NOT ALREADY 5ABL$ TO ASC5D M\NTA9S  BY RAIL8 ,9V5TORS HAVE N[ PRODUC$ HILL LOCOMOTIVES1  SO ?AT WE CAN PLUNGE 9TO ! FREE AIR ( ! SKIES DUR+ ! PO/PR&IAL H\R ( DIGE/ION4 ,AM]ICANS1  PRACTICAL EV5 9 !IR POETIY1 HAVE 9V5T$ ?IS NOVEL  MODE ( ASC5T4 ,9 ORD]1 MORE QUICKLY & )\T  FATIGUE1 TO REA* ! SUMMIT ( !IR MO/ V5]AT$  M\NTA91 TO :I* !Y HAVE GIV5 ! NAME ( ,WA%+TON1 ! H]O ( !IR 9DEP5D5CE1 !Y HAVE CONNECT$ IT ) !IR RAILWAYS4 ,KOCKS & PA/URES >E  5CIRCL$ BY A W9D+ IRON ROAD1 :I* ! TRA9S ALT]NATELY ASC5D & DESC5D1 :I/L+1 & REVOLV+ !IR  :EELS LIKE GIGANTIC S]P5TS4 ,A /ATION IS BUILT UPON  ! SUMMIT1 AS >E REFRE%M5T-ROOMS & KIOSKS 9 !  ,*9ESE /YLE4 ,! TRAVEL] 9 SE>* ( -VIEWS F9DS  BISCUITS1 LIQUOR1 & POEMS ON ! RIS+ SUN4  

0,:AT ! ,AM]ICANS HAVE DONE = ,WA%+TON !  ,SWISS HAVE HA/5$ TO COPY = ! ,RIGI1 9 ! MID/  ( ?AT GR&IOSE PANORAMA ( !IR LAKES & M\NTA9S4  ,!Y HAVE ALSO DONE IT = ! ,UETLI1 & WILL ]ELONG  DO IT = O!R M\NTA9S 2 !Y WILL1 SO TO SAY1 BR+ !  SUMMITS D[N TO ! LEVEL ( ! PLA9S4 ,LOCOMOTIVES  WILL PASS FROM VALLEY TO VALLEY AWAY ACROSS ! TOPS (  M\NTA9S1 AS A %IP RIS+ & FALL+ PASSES OV] !  WAVES ( ! SEA4 ,AS TO SU* M\NTA9S AS ! L(TIE/  PEAKS ( ! ,&ES & ,HIMALAYAS1 TOO HI< UP 9 !  REGIONS ( COLD = MAN TO GO TO !IR SUMMITS1 ! DAY  WILL COME1 AFT] ALL1 :5 HE %ALL BE ABLE TO REA* !M4  ,BALLOONS HAVE ALREADY C>RI$ HIM TWO OR ?REE HUNDR$  ?\S& Y>DS HI< 2 O!R A]ONAUTS WILL BE> & DEPOSIT HIM ON ,GAURISANK>1 AS F> AS ! 0 ,GREAT ,DIADEM  ( ! ,DAZZL+ ,HEAV540  

,9 ?IS GREAT WORK ( REGULAT+ NATURE1 MAN DOES NOT  CONF9E HIMSELF TO R5D]+ M\NTA9S EASY ( ACCESS 2  9 CASE ( NE$1 HE LABORS TO DO AWAY ) !M4 ,NOT  CONT5T$ ) MAK+ DRIV+ -ROADS ?AT ASC5D !  MO/ >DU\S M\NTA9S1 5G9E]S PI]CE ! OB/RUCT+ ROCKS1 5ABL+ !IR RAILWAYS TO PASS ?R\< FROM  VALLEY TO VALLEY4 ,9 SPITE ( ALL ! OB/ACLES PLAC$  ACROSS HIS PA? BY NATURE1 MAN MOVES ON 2 HE CREATES A  NEW E>? ADAPT$ TO HIS WANTS4 ,:5 HE REQUIRES A GREAT H>BOR ( REFUGE = HIS VESSELS1 HE TAKES A CLIFF ON  ! SEA-COA/1 & ROCK BY ROCK CA/S IT TO ! BOTTOM (  ! OCEAN 9 ORD] TO CON/RUCT A BREAKWAT]4 ,:Y1 IF  ! FANCY SEIZ$ HIM1 %\LD HE NOT ALSO TAKE GREAT  M\NTA9S1 TRITURATE & SCATT] ! REMA9S UPON !  PLA9S 8  

,BUT /AY6 ?IS WORK1 TOO1 HAS ALREADY BE5 BEGUN4 ,9  ,CALI=NIA ! M9]S1 WE>Y ( WAIT+ UNTIL ! /REAMS  %\LD BR+ D[N ! S& SPANGL$ ) GOLD1 HAVE  BE5 9SPIR$ ) ! IDEA ( ATTACK+ ! M\NTA9  ITSELF4 ,9 MANY PLACES !Y CRU% ! H>D ROCK TO EXTRACT ! METAL 2 BUT ?IS WORK IS DIFFICULT & EXP5SIVE4  ,! TASK IS EASI] :5 !Y HAVE A MOVABLE SOIL BE=E  !M1 SU* AS %IFT+ S& & PEBBLES4 ,!N !Y 9/ALL !MSELVES BE=E IT1 & ) 5ORM\S FIRE-PUMPS  UNCEAS+LY WA% D[N ! SIDES ) GREAT JETS ( WAT]1  ?US LITTLE BY LITTLE DEMOLI%+ ! M\NTA9 TO OBTA9  EV]Y P>TICLE ( GOLD IT CONTA9S4 ,9 ,FRANCE !Y HAVE  ?\<T ( CLE>+ AWAY1 9 A SIMIL> MANN]1 5ORM\S  HEAPS ( ANCI5T ALLUVIONS ACCUMULAT$ 9 PLATEAUX 9  FRONT ( ! ,PYR5EES 2 BY MEANS ( CANALS1 ALL ?IS DETRITUS1 TRANS=M$ 9TO F]TILIZ+ MUD1 W\LD S]VE TO RAISE  & CULTIVATE ! B>R5 PLA9S ( ! ,L&ES4  

,!SE >E1 9DE$1 CONSID]ABLE /EPS ( PROGRESS4 ,!  TIME IS PA/ :5 ! ONLY M\NTA9 ROADS W]E SU*  N>R[ TRACKS ?AT TWO P$E/RIANS COM+ FROM CONTR>Y  DIRECTIONS C\LD NOT PASS1 & ! ONE WAS OBLIG$ TO WALK  ACROSS ! BACK ( ! O!R LY+ UPON ! PA?4 ,EV]Y  PO9T ( ! E>? WILL BECOME ACCESSIBLE EV5 TO ! SICK  & DELICATE 2 AT ! SAME TIME1 EV]Y RES\RCE WILL BE  UTILIZ$1 ,UND MAN'S LIFE WILL ?US F9D ITSELF PROLONG$ BY  EV]Y H\R GA9$ BY HIS EF=TS1 :ILE HIS POSSESSIONS >E 9CREAS$ BY ALL ! TREASURES SNAT*$ FROM !  E>?4 ,BUT1 LIKE EV]Y?+ HUMAN1 ?IS PROGRESS BR+S  ) IT CORRESPOND+ ABUSES2 SOMETIMES WE %\LD BE  ON ! PO9T ( CURS+ IT1 AS =M]LY SPEE*1 WRIT+1  BOOKS1 & EV5 ?\<T W]E CURS$4 ,:ATEV] !  LOV]S ( ! GOOD OLD TIMES MAY SAY1 LIFE1 SO R\< =  ! BULK ( MANK9D1 WILL YET BECOME DAILY SMOO!R4  ,IT IS = US TO SEE ?AT A S\ND $UCATION %ALL >M !  Y\NG MAN ) AN 5]GETIC ,MALL & R5D] HIM EV]  CAPABLE ( AN H]OIC EF=T1 ! SOLE MEANS ( PRES]V+  MANK9D 9 ITS MORAL & NATURAL VIGOR 6 ,IT IS = US TO  REPLACE BY ME?ODICAL TRIALS ?IS H>D BATTLE ( EXI/5CE  BY :I* IT IS N[ NECESS>Y TO PUR*ASE /R5G? (  M9D4 ,=M]LY1 :5 LIFE WAS ONE 9CESSANT /RUGGLE  BETWE5 MAN & MAN OR WILD BEA/S1 A Y\? WAS LOOK$  UPON AS A *ILD UNTIL HE HAD BR\<T A BLE$+ TROPHY  BACK TO ! PAT]NAL HUT4 ,HE WAS OBLIG$ TO PROVE !  /R5G? ( HIS >M1 ! /EADFA/NESS ( HIS C\RAGE1 BE=E HE D>$ TO LIFT UP HIS VOICE 9 ! C\NCIL ( W>RIORS4 ,9 ?OSE C\NTRIES :]E !RE WAS LESS DANG] (  HAV+ TO MEASURE HIS VALOR ) ?AT ( AN 5EMY ?AN  ( HAV+ TO 5DURE HUNG]1 COLD1 & H>D%IPS1 ! C&IDATE = ! TITLE ( MAN W\LD BE LEFT 9 A =E/ )\T FOOD1 )\T CLO?+1 EXPOS$ TO ! BIT+ W9D  & /++ 9SECTS2 HE WAS OBLIG$ TO REMA9 !RE1  MOTIONLESS1 HIS FACE CALM & PR\D1 & AFT] DAYS (  WAIT+ HE W\LD1 UTT]+ NEV] A COMPLA9T1 /ILL HAVE  DET]M9ATION 5\< TO ALL[ HIMSELF TO BE TORTUR$1  BY ASSI/+ AT AN ABUNDANT REPA/ )\T /RET*+ \T  HIS H& TO TAKE HIS %>E4 ,9 !SE DAYS SU* B>B>\S  ORDEALS >E NOT IMPOS$ UPON \R Y\NG PEOPLE1 BUT1 AT  ! RISK ( 9JUR+ & /UPEFY+ !M1 WE MU/ KN[ H[ TO >M \R *ILDR5 ) A L(TY /EADFA/ SPIRIT1 NOT  ONLY CAPABLE ( RESI/+ ALL POSSIBLE EVILS1 BUT ESPECIALLY  ALL ! TEMPTATIONS ( LIFE4 ,LET US LABOR TO R5D] MANK9D HAPPY1 BUT LET US AT ! SAME TIME TEA* IT H[ TO  MAKE ITS [N HAPP9ESS SUBS]VI5T TO VIRTUE4  

,9 ?IS EXCELL5T TASK1 ! BR++-UP ( \R *ILDR51  & ?R\< !M ( ! FUTURE HUMAN SPECIES1 !  M\NTA9 HAS TO PLAY ! PR9CIPAL P>T4 ,FREE NATURE  ) ITS BEAUTIFUL L&SCAPES1 UPON :I* WE GAZE1 ITS  LAWS1 :I* WE EAG]LY /UDY FROM LIFE1 & ITS OB/ACLES1  TOO1 :I* WE MU/ OV]COME1 \<T TO BE \R REAL S*OOL4  ,IT IS NOT 9 N>R[ ROOMS ) B>R$ W9D[S ?AT WE  CAN PRODUCE BRAVE1 TRUE-HE>T$ M54 ,LET US RA!R GRANT  !M ! DELI<T ( BA?+ 9 M\NTA9 LAKES & TORR5TS 2 LET US TAKE !M \T TO W&] OV] GLACI]S &  FIELDS ( SN[2 LET US LEAD !M ON TO CLIMB UP L(TY  HEI<TS4 ,I,/OT ALONE WILL !Y ?US LE>N )\T DIFFICULTY ?AT :I* NO BOOK CAN TEA* !M1 NOT ONLY WILL  !Y REMEMB] ALL ?AT !Y %ALL HAVE LE>N$ 9 ?OSE  BLISSFUL DAYS :5 !IR IMPRESSION ( ! PR(ESSOR'S  VOICE BECAME BL5D$ ) ! VIEW ( LOVELY & VA/  SC5]Y1 BUT !Y WILL ALSO F9D !MSELVES CONFRONT$  ) DANG]1 & !Y WILL HAVE M]RILY FAC$ IT4 ,/UDY  WILL BE A PLEASURE TO !M1 & !IR *>ACT] WILL BE  =M$ 9 GLADNESS4  

,NO ONE CAN D\BT ?AT WE >E ON ! EVE ( ACCOMPLI%+ MO/ IMPORTANT *ANGES 9 ! ASPECT ( NATURE  AS WELL AS 9 ! LIFE ( MAN4 ,! EXT]NAL WORLD1 :OSE  =M WE HAVE ALREADY SO P[]FULLY MODIFI$1 WE %ALL1  ACCORD+ TO \R CU/OM1 EV5 /ILL MORE VIGOR\SLY TRANS=M4 ,9 PROPORTION AS \R KN[L$GE & MAT]IAL  P[] 9CREASE1 \R WILL AS M5 WILL MANIFE/ ITSELF MORE & MORE IMP]I\SLY T[>DS NATURE4 ,AT ?IS V]Y TIME  ALMO/ ALL SO-CALL$ CIVILIZ$ NATIONS /ILL EMPLOY !  GREATE/ PORTION ( !IR ANNUAL SAV+S 9 PREP>+ !  MEANS ( KILL+ ONE ANO!R & 9 MUTUALLY DEVA/AT+ !IR RESPECTIVE T]RITORIES2 BUT :51 WIS]1 !Y  %ALL APPLY !MSELVES TO AUGM5T+ ! PRODUCE ( !  L&1 ( JO9TLY MAK+ USE ( ALL ! P[]S ( ! E>?1  ( DO+ AWAY ) ALL ! NATURAL OB/ACLES RAIS$ BY IT  AGA9/ \R FREE MOVEM5TS1 !N ! :OLE APPE>ANCE  ( ! PLANET BE>+ US ALONG 9 ITS VORTEX WILL BE  *ANG$4 ,EA* NATION WILL1 SO TO SAY1 GIVE A NEW VE/M5T TO ! NATURE SURR\ND+ IT4 ,BY ITS FIELDS1 ITS  ROADS1 ITS DWELL+S1 & ITS BUILD+S ( EV]Y K9D1 BY  ! GR\P+ ( ITS TREES & ! G5]AL >RANGEM5T (  ! L&SCAPE1 EA* NATION WILL DISPLAY ! EXT5T ( ITS  [N TA/E4 ,IF IT REALLY POSSESSES A S5SE ( BEAUTY1 IT WILL  R5D] NATURE MORE BEAUTIFUL 2 IF1 ON ! CONTR>Y1 !  GREAT MASS ( MANK9D %\LD REMA9 SU* AS IT IS TO-DAY1  CO>SE1 EGOTI/ICAL1 & FALSE1 IT WILL CONT9UE TO IMPR9T  ITS SAD QUALITIES UPON ! WORLD4 ,!N W\LD ! POET'S  CRY ( DESPAIR BECOME TRU? 0,:I!R %ALL ,I FLY8  ,MATURE 9CREASES 9 HIDEONSNESS 60  

,:ATSOEV] MAY BE ! FUTURE ( MAN1 OR ! ASPECT  ( ! WORLD :I* HE MAY CREATE = HIMSELF1 SOLITUDE  9 ?AT PORTION ( NATURE :I* 4IS LEFT FREE WILL BECOME  MORE & MORE NECESS>Y TO ?OSE M5 :O WI% TO OBTA9 R5EW$ VIGOR ( ?\<T F> FROM ! CONFLICT (  OP9IONS & VOICES4 ,IF ! BEAUTIFUL SPOTS ( ! WORLD  %\LD ONE DAY BECOME A M]E R5DEZV\S = ! WORN  & WE>Y1 ?OSE :O LOVE TO LIVE 9 ! OP5 AIR WILL  HAVE NO?+ LEFT = !M BUT TO TAKE REFUGE 9 A B>K  9 ! MID/ ( ! WAVES1 OR TO WAIT PATI5TLY = ! DAY :5 !Y %ALL BE ABLE TO SO> LIKE A BIRD 9TO !  DEP?S ( SPACE2 BUT !Y W\LD EV] REGRET ! FRE%  M\NTA9 VALLEYS & ! TORR5TS BUR/+ FROM UNTRODD5 SN[1 & ! :ITE OR ROSY PYRAMIDS RIS+ UP  9 ! BLUE VAULTS ( HEAV54 ,HAPPILY ! M\NTA9S  WILL ALWAYS CONTA9 ! SWEETE/ PLACES ( RETREAT = HIM  :O FLIES FROM ! BEAT5 PA?S ( FA%ION4 ,= A LONG  TIME YET WE %ALL BE ABLE TO TURN ASIDE FROM ! FRIVOL\S  WORLD & F9D \RSELVES ALONE ) \R ?\<TS F>  FROM ?AT FL[ ( VULG> & FACTI\S OP9IONS :I* DI/URBS & DI/RACTS EV5 ! MO/ S9C]E M9DS4  

0,:AT A/ONI%M5T1 :AT A BREAK+ -(F ( ALL MY  HABITS1 :51 CROSS+ ! \TLET ( ! LA/ M\NTA9 DEFILE1 ,I F\ND MYSELF ONCE MORE 9 ! VA/ PLA91 ) ITS  9DI/9CT & FAD+ BACKGR\ND1 ITS B\NDLESS SPACE 6  ,! IMM5SE WORLD WAS OP5$ \T BE=E ME 2 ,I C\LD  GO TO ANY PO9T ( ! HORIZON :I!R FANCY L$ ME4  ,& YET ,I SEEM$ TO BE WALK+ 9 VA9 2 ,I C\LD NOT  GET ON1 SO COMPLETELY HAD NATURE >\ND ME LO/ ITS *>M  & V>IETY4 ,NO MORE C\LD ,I HE> ! TORR5T1 NO MORE  SEE ! SN[ OR ROCKS 3 IT WAS EV] ! SAME MONOTON\S  L&SCAPE4 ,MY /EPS W]E FREE1 & YET ,I FELT ?AT MY  IMPRISONM5T WAS V]Y DIFF]5T FROM ?AT ( ! M\NTA94 ,ONE S+LE TREE1 A M]E %RUB1 SUFFIC$ TO HIDE !  HORIZON FROM ME 2 NOT A ROAD :I* WAS NOT B\ND$ ON  BO? SIDES BY H$GES OR F5CES4  

,AS ,I MOV$ AWAY FROM ! BELOV$ M\NTA9S RAPIDLY  REC$+ FROM ME1 ,I (T5 LOOK$ BACK TO DI/+UI%  !IR FLEET+ =MS4 ,GRADUALLY ! SLOPES BECAME CONFUZ$ 9 ONE UNI=M BLUE MASS1 ! WIDE DIPS 9 ! VALLEYS CEAS$ TO BE VISIBLE1 ! L[] PEAKS W]E LO/ TO  VIEW1 ! CONT\R ( ! HI<] SUMMITS ALONE /OOD \T AGA9/ ! LUM9\S BACKGR\ND4 ,AT LA/ ! MI/ (  DU/ & IMPURITIES RIS+ FROM ! PLA9S HID ! NE!RMO/ SLOPES ( ! M\NTA9S2 NO?+ MORE REMA9$  SAVE A SORT ( ORNAM5TATION BORD]+ ! CL\DS1 &  MY EYES C\LD H>DLY RECOGNIZE ANY ( ! PEAKS ,I US$  TO CLIMB4 ,!N ALL ! \TL9ES DISAPPE>$ 9 VAPOR4  ,! PLA91 VOID ( ALL VISIBLE B\ND>IES1 SURR\ND$ ME  ON EV]Y SIDE4 ,H5CE=? ! M\NTA9 W\LD BE F>  FROM ME1 & ,I HAD RETURN$ TO ! BUSY TUMULT ( HUMAN BE+S4 ,MY MEMORY HAS AT LEA/ BE5 ABLE TO PRES]VE ! SWEET IMPRESSIONS ( ! PA/4 ,ONCE MORE ,I SEE  RIS+ UP BE=E MY EYES ! BELOV$ \TL9ES ( !  M\NTA9S 2 M5TALLY ,I RE5T] ! %ADY VALLEYS1 &  = SOME MOM5TS ,I CAN 5JOY 9 PEACE MY 9TIMATE ACQUA9TANCE ) ! ROCKS1 ! 9SECTS1 & ! BLADES (  GRASS4  

,! ,5,D4  

,FROM 3 ,>*IVE4ORG4 

,*RONOLOGY 3 
,NOVEMB] #c1 #ahh 3 ,! ,HI/ORY ( A ,M\NTA9 -- ,PUBLICATION4 
,FEBRU>Y #a1 #bag 3 ,! ,HI/ORY ( A ,M\NTA9 -- ,ADD$4 
,DECEMB] #c1 #bba 3 ,! ,HI/ORY ( A ,M\NTA9 -- ,UPDAT$4 

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