41 6 CONSOLATIONS OF SOLITUDE
formerly observed by the author, some of which were, nearly at the same time, collected by Dr. Richardson's exploring party in the extreme north of the British possessions ; a circumstance favorable to the theory which deduces the origin of animal and vegetable forms from many centres rather than one. It must not be deemed conclusive, however, for the other side of the question does not lack arguments.
^^ " And as the clouds beneath thy feet." The great variety of atmos- pheric effects presents some of the most interesting traits in mountain scen- ery, as when in a foggy morning the white veil slowly rising displays all the lower landscape clearly to the eye ; while on the greater peaks wreaths piled upon wreaths are broken into a thousand picturesque shapes, and soar so high in the air that the observer is deceived as to the real height of the ridges before him, which in districts of even moderate elevation seem like vast Alpine ranges covered with eternal snow. As he ascends, he finally enters this region of vapors, which, growing ever thinner and thinner, become at last so penetrated by the diffused sunlight that every particle is illuminated ; and, if he look behind him, the earth so suddenly terminates in a sea of mist, that the steep pyramid up which he is clamber- ing appears like a precipitous island floating in a magic sky, amidst a drizzly rain of infinitesimal diamonds.
Not less beautiful are the approach and retreat of storm clouds, when thunders, at first heard in the distance, sound nearer, till at last the noise becomes deafening, and the lightnings seem to take aim at our very eyes. Presently the fogs grow thinner ; a sunbeam bursts through ; the vapory masses begin to scatter ; suddenly a cloud rolls toward us ; it envelops us ; and for a while all is dark again.
Gradually, light prevails ; the floating masses separate more and more, sinking lower and lower as they evaporate ; and now, far down, an ocean of clouds appears like a new sky. Soon, through some rent, the lower world is disclosed ; a distant spire appears ; rivers, valleys, forests and villages come in sight ; and now the detached islands of mist, striking the lower peaks, become more and more subdivided ; and, while each pale cloud floats like a ship, with majestic slowness through the airy sea, its sabl^ shadow is seen far below, darkening the earth where it falls, till the eye, fixed involuntarily upon the fantastic and ever-varying forms of the vapory ghosts which, some soaring overhead, and some swimming beneath our feet, on all sides surround us, becomes bewildered with the endless metamorphoses of light and shade.
ODE TO OBLIVION.
"' "But science' eye," &c., refers to the artificial processes employed for unrolling and deciphering these ancient manuscripts.
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