Volume 1

Switzerland / by William Beattie ; illustrated, in a series of views taken expressly for this work, by W.H. Bartlett.

Beattie, William, 1793-1875.

Date:: 1836

Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Switzerland / by William Beattie ; illustrated, in a series of views taken expressly for this work, by W.H. Bartlett. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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gate of Salzburg!” To those acquainted with these objects, and their geological structure—the peculiar circumstances which mutually encouraged or opposed their execution—which rendered the one the triumph of art over nature, and the other the result of mere physical labour—this statement must appear too absurd to require refutation. They present, respectively, such difficulties as may be imagined, by comparing the perforation of an oak to that of an apple. Farther, says Mr. Eustace, the Simplon is “ covered with perpetual snow, and is remarkable for the passage of Buonaparte, previous to the battle of Marengo! This is a mistake ; as the invasion in question was effected by way of the Great St. Bernard. In expressing our admiration of these galleries there is no need, as an anonymous writer has well observed, to draw upon the imagination. The distance from human dwellings — the difficulty of access — the dangers of the avalanche, the precipice, the storm, and the torrent—all are circumstances which enhance the magnitude of the undertaking, and should not be forgotten in con- templating the results. If a temple were built upon the summit of Mont Blanc, what should we think of the traveller who sneered at its architecture, because it did not equal in magnificence that of St. Peter’s ? A little below Gondo a small chapel marks the extreme boundary of the Yallais. The government of this canton is democratic, and the Bishop of Sion the chief magistrate. Although in no respect an actual sovereign, he receives, nevertheless, all the honours peculiar to that dignity ; he has the sole privilege of holding, and of inhabiting at pleasure, the fortresses of the country: he alone convokes the national assemblies—which are held twice a-year—and such diets extraordinary as occasion may demand. The election of Bishop rests with the people, who make choice on the presentation of four candidates from each of the seven cantons of the Upper Yallais, proposed by the Canons of Sion. The second magistrate is the Captain-General ; after him come the Banneret, the Treasurer, and the Chancellor. All these are accountable for their administration to the deputies of the seven cantons, or subdivisions, who constitute a Supreme Council. This council possesses the legislative authority, and pronounces decisively in all questions of public and private interest. “ After traversing the solitude of Gondo,* and the somewhat less savage defiles * In the Vignette accompanying the present work, the reader will observe a striking sketch of this dismal village and hostelrie. Prior to the formation of the grand route, merchandise was transported on mules; and in case of stormy weather, hundreds of beasts of burden, forming a caravan, were here obliged to halt for shelter, and often for several days together. Two brother-barons were the original fabricators and feudal proprietors of this gloomy sanctuary.