Omnibus to the Baths of Leuk in 7 hours; fare, coupé, 10 frs. built in the form of a Swiss chalet, where | trains. The waters of the bath are considered very efficacious in diseases of the skin. Above the station Riddes the railway crosses the Rhone, and soon arrives at Beyond Sierre, the road crosses the Rhone, and traverses the Forest of Pfyn, a series of hills covered with pine forests, and considered of great importance in a military point of view. It was with considerable difficulty that the French drove the soldiers of Valais from them in 1798. From this point the language of the country ceases to be French, and German only is heard up to Lucernc. Passing the town of Leuk, situated on a hill above the road (for description of which see Route 18), the village of Susten is reached. Hôtel de la Souste. Diligence to the Baths of Leuk twice a day during the season. Passing the bridge which crosses the Rhone at Leuk, notice two pillars, the remnants of an ancient aqueduct; also, on the right, the castle of Baron de Verra. Tourtemagne (Hôtel Poste), whence excursions are made to Gruben by the Tourtemagne Valley, and across Augstbord Pass to St. Niklaus, in ten and a half hours; horse, 30 frs.; guide, 15 frs. Sion (the Sedunum of the Romans). It contains a population of 4990 souls. Hotels, Lion d'Or and De la Poste. It is very beautifully situated on the north bank of the Rhone, in the canton of Valais, and was incorporated in the French empire in 1810, under the name of the department of Simplon. It recovered its old independence after the downfall of Napoleon. This district is the poorest in Switzerland; but the numerous ancient castles give it a very romantic appearance. On the northern hill is situated the ruins of the ancient episcopal castle of Tourbillon, erected in 1294, but destroyed by fire in 1788. On the southern hill we find the remains of the chateau Vispach (Hôtel Sonne) is finely situated, of Valaria, which was erected on the site and was formerly the seat of nearly all the of a Roman castle. The building is now noble families of the canton. It is now used as a Catholic seminary. Notice the noted for being the starting-point to visit chapel of St. Catharine in the old cathe-Zermatt and its glorious surroundings. All dral. The third castle is the episcopal castle of Majoria, the former residence of the ancient governors of Valais. It, as well as a part of the town, was destroyed by fire in 1788. This town has been the scene of numerous battles in days of yore, as every thing in and about it indicates. Notice the peculiar head-dress of the natives. From Sion to Bex, via the Col de Cheville, see Route 9. From Sion to Thun, via the Rawyl Pass and Lenk, see Route 39. Gesseney may also be reached by the Sanetsch Pass, and over the Col de Torrent to St. Luc. See Route 11. Sierre (Hôtel Bellevue), the terminus of the railway, contains 1300 inhabitants, and is situated in a fine position on the brow of a hill. There are numerous handsome residences in the town, as it is the seat of the nobility of the canton of Valais. The wine of the district is quite noted. particulars in regard to horses, guides, etc., will be found described in Route 12. The town was considerably damaged by an inundation in 1868, and by an earthquake in 1855. If intending to cross the Simplon, and coming down from Zermatt, it will be more convenient to arrive at Brieg the same evening. The ascent of the Simplon Pass commences at the village of Glis, just before arriving at the town of Brieg. Hotels, Trois Couronne and Angleterre. This small town contains 1100 inhabitants, and has much increased in importance during the last few years, owing to the increased travel across the Simplon Pass, and to the construction of the Rhone Valley or Simplon railway. Diligence daily to the Rhone Glacier in seven hours; the opposite direction occupies only five hours. The road follows the banks of the river past Naters, which is surmounted by two Diligences start on the arrival of the ruined castles-that of Weingarten and Su persax, and crosses the rapid Massa, which drains the glacier of the Great Aletsch; then, passing the village of Mörel, and winding its way through a rocky ravine, arrives at Lax. Hôtel Kreuz. The ascent of the Eggischhorn, which occupies four and a half hours, is often made from here, although generally from Viesch, farther up the valley. This is a beautifully situated village near the base of the Viescher-Hörner, also of the Glacier Viescher. Hôtel du Glacier de Viesch. One-horse carriage to the Rhone Glacier. The excursions and routes from Viesch are numerous and interesting. First and most important is the ascent of the Eggischhorn; whole time occupied, eight hours four and a half ascending, and three and a half descending. There is a bridle-path nearly to the summit; horse, 10 frs. It can be reached, however, by what is called the " 'sliding route" in two and a half hours (this is a straight line by which provisions are conveyed to the upper plateau). The better way is to spend a day or two at the Hôtel de la Jungfrau, situated at its base, and over seven thousand feet above the level of the sea. No one will regret this excursion, as the place has lately become the head-quarters of lovers of Alpine scenery and excursions. The hotel is well adapted to a prolonged stay, being situated near the largest glacier in the world, the Aletsch, nearly twenty miles long and in some places four miles wide, which takes its rise in the basin lying between the Jungfrau, Aletschhorn, and Mönch, and can be seen its entire length. The Eggischhorn can be reached in one and a half hours from the hotel. Its peak is 9649 feet above the level of the sea, and commands a view not to be surpassed. In addition to the surrounding glaciers, the mountain-peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch, Eiger, Galenstock, Ober-Aarhorn, FinsterAarhorn, Matterhorn, and numerous others are distinctly visible. Immediately below notice the small lake called Märjelen-See, formed by the ice-cliffs of the Aletsch Glacier, which in summer prevents the melted snow and ice from finding its way to the Rhone. Sometimes it melts its way through the glacier, and the lake suddenly disappears. An excursion to this lake, combined with the Aletsch Glacier, should be made from the hotel. An excursion should also be made to the Bellalp, a most interesting ride of four hours. Hôtel Bellalp, situated in a most wonderful position, the great glacier of Aletsch sweeping round the house. This is also a centre for excursionists. It can be reached from Brieg in three and a half hours. Grindelwald can be reached from Eggischhorn, but only by experienced climbers, by the Eigerjoch, Mönchsjoch, and Jungfraujoch. Kippel may be visited from here, with the help of guides, by crossing the great Aletsch Glacier to the Lotschenlücke, and over the Lotschen Glacier; time, 12 hours, Passing the village of Niederwald, the town of Münster is soon reached. Hotels, Eggischhorn and Goldenes Kreuz. Population, 450. The Löffelhorn is usually ascended from Münster; time, 4 hours; guide, 6 frs. The view is about the same as from the summit of the Eggischhorn. Passing the hamlet of Ulrichen, opposite the valley of Eginen, which leads to the Gries, Obergestelen is reached. Here the routes from the Grimsel, Furca, Gries, and Nufenen unite. Then Oberwald Hôtel de la Furca-situated at the bottom of the valley, with a splendid view of the Weisshorn. Three and a half miles farther the Hôtel du Glacier du Rhone is reached, whence to Lucerne is described in Routes 28 and 34. ROUTE 43.-From Haut-Châtillon (German, Obergestelen) to Domo d'Ossola, via the Gries Pass, Falls of the Tosa, and Val Formazza. The whole distance (35 miles) occupies two days, or 18 hours, sleeping the first night at the Falls of the Tosa. There is a mule-path to Andermatten; thence by carriage to Domo. A guide should be taken as far as Andermatten or the falls. The days will be more equally divided if the tourist remain over night at Andermatten, one and a half hours from the falls. Or he may prefer to visit the falls, and return to Obergestelen the next day, continuing on Route 42 to Lucerne. The road, crossing the Rhone, enters into the valley of Eginenthal, and, crossing the Eginenbach near a pretty cascade, leads through a wood of larches, where the noise of the horse's feet alone breaks the stillness River Aare. It is considered an important military position. The town was at one time the private property of the powerful counts of Aarberg, whose castle is now seen, and was by them sold to Berne during the fourteenth century. From Ins an admirable view may be had of the Alps and the three lakes.] of the surroundings. Crossing a barren | on a hill, and almost surrounded by the and rugged track, then green pastures and meadows covered with chalets, the Gries Glacier is reached. To cross this, which can be done with safety on horseback, occupies twenty minutes; the path is indicated by poles planted in the ice. This glacier takes its rise at the base of the Blinnenhorn. The col, or summit, is now reached, and is about 8000 feet above the sea. From these barren heights, which mark the natural boundary between Switzerland and Italy, a most magnificent view is obtained in clear weather. Descending into the Valley of Formazza, on the Italian side of the Alps, the River Tosa is joined, by which stream the road passes until its arrival at Lake Maggiore. The Falls of the Tosa can be heard for some distance before they are seen, but they should be viewed during the months of July and August, when the volume of water is large. The fall is about 700 feet, and is one of the finest among the Alps. Close to the falls is the Hôtel de la Cascade; on the east side rises the Basodino, which may be ascended in four hours; height, 10,728 feet. The lovely valley of Formazza now commences, which has the reputation of being the most picturesque in Italy. Two miles below the falls the village of Fruthwald is passed, and one or two insignificant hamlets; then Andermatten- Hôtel Rösselwhich is the last German village, although the languages are considerably "mixed" all the way down the valley, and each town retains both a German and an Italian name. The wonderful and rugged grandeur of the valley through which the road passes to Crodo (Italian custom-house), can not be too highly praised. It is usually termed the Val Antigorio, although properly the Val Tosa, and is diversified with numerous cascades and waterfalls. Four and a half miles below Crodo the route joins that of the Simplon (Route 14) to Domo d'Ossola and Lake Maggiore. ROUTE 44.-Berne to Neufchatel, via the Battle-field of Morat. [In addition to the direct line by rail from Berne to Neufchatel, there is a route via Aarberg and Ins. This last is distant from Neufchatel five and a half hours by diligence. Aarberg (Hôtel Krone) is finely situated To Morat there is a diligence twice daily in three hours, thence by steamer to Neufchatel in one and a half hours. Morat and Battle of Morat. For description, see Route 17. Lake Morat, which is six miles long and three broad, is separated from Lake Neufchatel by a ridge called Mont Vully, but is connected with it by the River Broye. The steamer crosses Lake Morat, and passes by means of a draw-bridge into Lake Neufchatel, thence to the city of Neufchatel in one hour and fifteen minutes. For description of Neufchatel, see Route 16. ROUTE 45.-Neufchatel to Le Locle, via the Chaux-de-Fonds, and back via the Sayne Valley and Les Ponts. From Neufchatel to Chaux-de-Fonds, by railway, in 1 h. 30 m.; fare, 4 frs. 50 c.; thence to Le Locle in 30 minutes; fare, 2 frs. 20 c.; diligence back to Neufchatel; time, 4 hours; fare, 4 frs. 20 c. Neufchatel. See Route 16. The railway, as it mounts the heights, commands a beautiful view of the lake and Alps; crossing the Seyon, and through a tunnel to the viaduct over the gorge of Serrières, arrives at Chambrelien, in a very beautiful position. The road now changes its direction for the purpose of winding round a hill, and passes station Hauts Geneveys, commanding an exquisite view of Mont Blanc; then entering a tunnel one and three-quarter miles longthe longest in Switzerland-bored under the Col des Loges, then another about half the length, arrives at La Chaux-de-Fonds (Hôtel Fleur-de-Lis). This industrious and thriving town, although situated at a height of 3254 feet above the sea, contained a population in 1874 of 20,200 inhabitants-the sixth largest in the republic, but covering a greater extent than any of the others, as each house has its large garden. It is the prin This was a place of considerable importance when the Burgundian kings were a power in the world, and one of their principal residences was in this town. On the promenade two towers of their castle may still be seen. The three sons of Lothaire met here in the ninth century to divide his kingdom. cipal seat for the manufacture of watches, is an ancient town of 2000 inhabitants. Hoclocks, and musical-boxes in Switzerland. tel, Maison la Ville. Each artisan has his own particular portion of the watch to make, and makes it in his own cottage instead of in factories, as in other towns. It is said that nearly 200,000 watches are annually made in La Chauxde-Fonds, eight thousand workmen being employed, while half that number is produced at Le Locle. Nearly a million are made in the canton yearly. The workmen make from three to twelve francs per day. male artisans are employed in watch and clock making, and the females in making lace. A visit should be made to the subterranean mills, arranged one above the other, and worked by the River Bied; also to the Roche Fendue, a distance of only two miles from Le Locle. This is a cutting made through the rock to connect Le Locle with Besançon. The Saut du Doubs, a fall of the River Doubs, should also be visited, about four miles from the town. On the first Sunday in July there is a grand festival held here, called the Fête du Saut du Doubs, when a large concourse of the peasantry arrive in boats. The road from Le Locle crosses the Sagne Valley to Les Ponts, then through the Valley of Travers, and passing, at the top of the mountain, La Tourne, descends to Montmollin and Neufchatel. The castle was taken by the Swiss in 1475, after a most desperate resistance. The manufacture of watches is now carried on to a considerable extent. Previous to arriving at Vallorbe the road passes near Romainmotier (Hôtel Couronne), an ancient town, containing an old church, founded about the middle of the eighth century. It was here that Margaret of Austria was married to the Duke of Savoy in 1501. She had previously been affianced to the Infanta of Spain, as well as to the Dauphin of France. During a journey she made to Spain she came near being lost in a storm, so composed her own epitaph: "Ci-git Margot la genti demoiselle, Qu'a deux maris et se mourat pucelle." "Here lies Margaret, the amiable maiden, Who has two husbands, yet dies a virgin." Passing over the west slope of the Dent de Vaulion to the summit of the pass, a distance of three miles, then descending half a mile to the Lac de Joux, at the end of which is situated the town of Le Pont. Hôtel de la Truite. This town is so called on account of the pont, or bridge, which connects Lac de Joux with another small lake called Brenet. Le Pont is a very pretty village, and numerous excursions can be made in the vicinity, one of which is the ascent of Mont Tendre-magnificent view from the summit. Also to the Abbaye, a former monastery, situated on the lake, about one mile from Le Pont. From Le Pont and Le Brassus, by the Asile de Marcheiruz, to St. George in about three and a half hours. Thence to the Gla ROUTE 46.-Cossonay to Vallorbe, Lac cier of St. George in one and a half hours. de Joux, and Dent de Vaulion. Thence by diligence to Rolle in one and a half hours. Railway from Cossonay to Vallorbe opened in 1873 [this line when finished to Pontarlier will lessen the distance from Lausanne to Paris nearly two hours, obviating the long angle to Neufchatel]; time, 1 h. 25 m.; fare, 3 frs. 50 c. Vallorbe, the Wibigenum of the Romans, Rolle. Sec Route 15. ROUTE 47.--Zurich to the Lake of Como, via Rapperschwyl, Wallenstadt, Ragatz, and the Baths of Pfäffers, Coire, Splügen Pass, via Mala to Chiavenna and Colico, at the |