Note 39 — Chapter XII · THE MOMING PASS—ZERMATT.

These snow-cornices are common on the crests of high mountain ridges, and it is always prudent (just before arriving upon the summit of a mountain or ridge) to sound with the alpenstock, that is to say, drive it in, to discover whether there is one or not. Men have often narrowly escaped losing their lives from neglecting this precaution. These cornices are frequently rolled round in a volute, and sometimes take most extravagant forms. See page 34.