As we had neither of us much fancy to try the ascent by the snow, we chose a new line of oui own over a rocky surface, facing nearly due south, which the wind and sun had bared nearly to the summit.
Lefl now to ourselves, we selected a spot to pass the night, piled up stones to windward as a shelter against the cold, and, having dined heartily, we made ourselves as comfortable as possible. We saw the eun set in indescribable glory, throwing the shadow of the vast mountain far away ovCT Geoigia and Aderbijan, and even darkening the distant haze of the eastern horizon.
Wrapping ourselves in our rugs, we passed the night as well as could be expected, and at peep of dawn on the 14th we resumed the ascent. It certainly was toilsome and slow, but was, nevertheless, satisfactory.
From.in elevation of about 14,000 feet above the sea we saw the sun rise in unclouded majesty, lighting up simultaneously to our view vast tracts of the Russian, Persian, and Turkish empires; that was a glorious si^t never to be forgotten.
About 1,200 feet from the summit we came upon an oak cross that had been fixed there in the rock by Professor Abich in the year 1S45; it was in petfect preservation, and the inscription, in Russian characters, was still l^ble.
This was the most difficult part of our ascent, the obstructions were frequent, and the climbing at times perilous \ but caution and peraeverance enabled us to overcome everything, and at 9 a.m. we had the satisfaction ol standing on the highest point of the mountain. Here I stuck to the hilt in the snow a kama, or short double-edged sword, which we found at the fool of Abich's cross. Here also, as loyal Britons, we drank the health of OUT beloved queen in brandy. Her Majesty will perhaps deign to accept this expression of allegiance on considering that hers is probably the first name that has been pronounced on that solemn height since it was quitted by Google
[fragment illegible in the scan of the first edition]
by the great patriarch of the human race; for no record or tradition exists of the ascent having ever been made before, although repeatedly tried by men of different countries, both European and Asiatic Professor Abich made several attempts, but failed in all, as is proved by the position rfthe cross, by the testimony of the natives, and even by the confession of hij own countFymen.
We descended on the tracks of the others, and got back to the tents, about 4 F.u.
The whole surface of Mount Ararat bears evidence of having been subjected to violent volcanic action, being seamed and scored with deep ravines. The rocky ridges that protrude from the snow are either basalt or tufa; and near the summit we found some bits of pumice on a spot wbich still emits a strong sulphureous smell.
The summit itself is nearly level, of a triangular shape, the base being about 300 yards in length, the perpendicular about 300.
The highest point is at the apex of the tnangle, which points neady due west; separated from it by a hollow is another point of nearly equal altitude, and the base of the triangle is an elevated ridge, formii^ a third eminence. These three points stand out in distinct relief on a clear day.
The snow on the top is almost as dry as powder, and in walking over it we did not sink more than half-way to the knees. The impression left on my mind is, that the summit is an extinct crater filled with snow. We experienced no difficulty of respiration, except being sooner blown by exertion than we should have been at a lower level The cold was intense; and though a perfect calm prevailed at the time at the foot of the cone, as we afterwards leamt, a keen wind was blowing from the west, which raised a blinding mist of fine snow that prevented us taking any distant view.
As may be supposed, our success has created no small sensation throughout the country; the fame of it preceded us wherever we went It was annoimced as a sort of wonder to the caravans travelling eastward; and the Kalmakan of Bayazid has made it the subject of a special repoit to Constantinople.
From the sacred character of the mountain, and the traditions associated with it throughout the East, identical as they are with Scriptunl records, I am inclined to think that a degree of importance will attach to this performance in popular estimation, beyond what is due to a mere exhibition of nerve or muscle, and this, no doubt, will tell in favour of oui xa'aarayprestige.
On the 15th we ascended Lesser Ararat, but this being an oidinity by Google affair, does not call for a detailed account, I would only observe that, perhaps, from no other spot in the world can a finer or tnore extensive view be obtained. This view we had the good fortune to enjoy to perfection, with a cloudless sky and clear atmosphere.