DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.846#0048
46 Gaurbillon's Travels in Sicily, in 1819.
Third Region.
The weather, which hitherto had been very fine, ceased to
be favourable. We were suddenly assailed with a storm of
sleet, accompanied with thunder and lightning. In about
half an hour's march, we entered into the sublime and desert
region of Mount Etna, where all the elements seemed com-
bined to assail us, till we arrived at the very foot of the cone
of Etna.
This region is in truth sublime and desert; for if you except
some stunted shrubs, and some plants, friends of a burning
soil, you neither see nor tread on any thing here but lava,
scoriae, and ashes, which, from a time that mocks the calcula-
tions of the most ancient chronologists, have been heaped one
upon another.
Monte Rosso, or Monteriello.
Every thing is relative in this world. Almost as high as
Vesuvius, but thrown from the bosom of Etna, the vast Mon-
teriello, rising at the foot of the Colossus, MonterieHo is
happy to receive the name of the Little Mountain. Rising
from the entrails of the volcano, on the 28th of July, 1763,
this humble and faithful servant is still prostrate, I may say,
at the feet of his proud and royal master, who menaces him,
as every moment passes, to annihilate him, or cast him still
further from his presence.
The third region is nearly three leagues in extent.
Situation of the Gratissima, or House of Refuge.
As well pleased as, no doubt, we ourselves were, our mules
at length halted before the threshold of this hospitable mansion.
Separated from the rest of the world, and suspended, so to say,
in the air, this cottage is situated at the foot of the summit the
most conic of the volcano; at the spot where, according to my
manner of reckoning, commences a region we may add to the
three others, a region which I name the last, or region of scoria
ashes, and fissures emitting volcanic vapours from the volcano
itself. This immense platform is the base of the cone of Etna ;
the soil on which we tread is probably on a level with the
foundations of the craters themselves. The view around us is,
no doubt, grand and filled with wonders. But it could not fix
pur attention. Nature had suffered too much within us. For
several hours we had been exposed to the intemperance of a
climate naturally severe. Our garments were pierced through
with rain and snow ; and, at the moment we arrived at the hos-
pitable door, we could scarcely descend from .our mules, and
drag ourselves under the protecting roof.
Third Region.
The weather, which hitherto had been very fine, ceased to
be favourable. We were suddenly assailed with a storm of
sleet, accompanied with thunder and lightning. In about
half an hour's march, we entered into the sublime and desert
region of Mount Etna, where all the elements seemed com-
bined to assail us, till we arrived at the very foot of the cone
of Etna.
This region is in truth sublime and desert; for if you except
some stunted shrubs, and some plants, friends of a burning
soil, you neither see nor tread on any thing here but lava,
scoriae, and ashes, which, from a time that mocks the calcula-
tions of the most ancient chronologists, have been heaped one
upon another.
Monte Rosso, or Monteriello.
Every thing is relative in this world. Almost as high as
Vesuvius, but thrown from the bosom of Etna, the vast Mon-
teriello, rising at the foot of the Colossus, MonterieHo is
happy to receive the name of the Little Mountain. Rising
from the entrails of the volcano, on the 28th of July, 1763,
this humble and faithful servant is still prostrate, I may say,
at the feet of his proud and royal master, who menaces him,
as every moment passes, to annihilate him, or cast him still
further from his presence.
The third region is nearly three leagues in extent.
Situation of the Gratissima, or House of Refuge.
As well pleased as, no doubt, we ourselves were, our mules
at length halted before the threshold of this hospitable mansion.
Separated from the rest of the world, and suspended, so to say,
in the air, this cottage is situated at the foot of the summit the
most conic of the volcano; at the spot where, according to my
manner of reckoning, commences a region we may add to the
three others, a region which I name the last, or region of scoria
ashes, and fissures emitting volcanic vapours from the volcano
itself. This immense platform is the base of the cone of Etna ;
the soil on which we tread is probably on a level with the
foundations of the craters themselves. The view around us is,
no doubt, grand and filled with wonders. But it could not fix
pur attention. Nature had suffered too much within us. For
several hours we had been exposed to the intemperance of a
climate naturally severe. Our garments were pierced through
with rain and snow ; and, at the moment we arrived at the hos-
pitable door, we could scarcely descend from .our mules, and
drag ourselves under the protecting roof.