27 M. Puiseux, on his expedition of 1848, was surprised, when at breakfast on the side of the mountain, by a mass of rock of more than a cubic yard falling like a bomb at his side, which threw up splinters in all directions. 28 This mountain is the culminating point of the group, and is named on the French map, Pointe des Ecrins. It is seen from the Val Christophe, and from that direction its ridges completely conceal Mont Pelvoux. On the other side—that is, from the direction of La Bessée or the Val Louise—the reverse is the case: the Pelvoux completely conceals it. Unaware that this name was going to be applied to it, we gave the name Pic des Arcines or des Ecrins to our summit, in accordance with the traditions of the natives. 29 There are three cols or passes close to Monte Viso on its northern side, which lead from the valley of the Po into that of the Guil. The deep notch spoken of above is the nearest to the mountain, and although it is by far the lowest gap in that part of the chain, and would seem to be the true Col Viso, it does not appear to be used as a pass. The second, which I crossed in 1860, has the name Col del Color del Porco given to it upon the Sardinian map! The third is the Col de la Traversette; and this, although higher than at least one of those mentioned above, is that which is used by the natives who pass from one valley to the other. 30 See Ladoucette’s _Hautes-Alpes_, p. 596. 31 Frequently spelt Breuil. 32 See the Map of the Matterhorn and its Glaciers. 33 There were no guides, properly speaking, in this valley at that time, with the exception of one or two Pessions and Pelissiers. 34 This face is that on the right hand of the large engraving opposite p. 46. It is also represented, more prominently, in the engraving facing p. 227. 35 Mr. Hawkins was unaware that any attempts had been made before his own, and spoke of it as the first. _ 36 Macmillan_, 1861. 37 This ridge is seen on the left of the large engraving accompanying this chapter; and if the reader consults this view, the explanatory outlines, and the maps, he will be able to form a fair idea of the points which were attained on this and on the subsequent attempts. 38 Since this time the small peak has received the name Tête du Lion. The gap is now called the Col du Lion; the glacier at its base, the Glacier du Lion; and the gully which connects the Col with the glacier, the Couloir du Lion. 39 By the kindness of its owner, Mr. F. Tuckett. 40 See Appendix A. 41 A view of this place faces p. 76. 42 The guide Bennen must be excepted. 43 The engraving is made after a sketch taken from the rocks of the Matterhorn just above the Col. 44 J. G. Whittier.