Ascent to the summit of Mont Blanc, 16th-18th of 9th month September, 1834 / By Martin Barry, M.D.

  • Barry, M. (Martin), 1802-1855.
Date:
[1835]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Ascent to the summit of Mont Blanc, 16th-18th of 9th month September, 1834 / By Martin Barry, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    g as the baggage. In this perilous undertaking, the leading guide ascended the ice cliff, by a circuitous course, secured with a rope held by those below, asa false step would certainly have otherwise proved fatal; his track lying along the brink of a, precipice. (See the two Plates.*) Our pioneers on this, and indeed on all occa- sions, where the greatest coolness, intrepidity, experience, and judgment were required, were Joseph Marie Couttet, and Michel Balmat. Of these brave men I cannot speak too highly : without them, the undertaking would undoubt- edly have proved a failure, at this as well as at other difficult parts. The well-known Couttet, my principal guide, had been up eight times be- fore; he was swept away by an avalanche in Dr. Hamel’s attempt (1820,) with four others, three of whom were never afterwards found. No one should attempt the ascent of Mont Blanc without him. He is also a remarkably intelli- gent man. I was always glad to have him and Balmat near me when they were not obliged to take the lead.f * The plates present only a small portion of the rock, near its base. + These remarks respecting the guides may be of service to some future traveller; and having mentioned two of them, I may as well