Ascent to the summit of Mont Blanc, 16th-18th of 9th month September, 1834 / By Martin Barry, M.D.

  • Barry, M. (Martin), 1802-1855.
Date:
[1835]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Ascent to the summit of Mont Blanc, 16th-18th of 9th month September, 1834 / By Martin Barry, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    12/56 (page 4)
    On my arrival at the Priory in the evening, guides were consulted as to the probable prac- ticability of an ascent. It was objected, in the first place, that the season was too far advanced, and secondly, that some snow had recently fallen, which had not had time to harden: as a consequence of the first obstacle, that the days were too short, and that the fissures had probably widened ; of the second, that the way would be rendered not only more difficult, but more dan- gerous also, from the newly fallen snow lightly covering, and thus concealing, the smaller crevices. Avalanches, too, were likely to occur more frequently with a layer of recent snow. On the other hand, the weather had never per- haps presented a more favourable opportunity ; the moon was nearly full; I was in excellent ‘‘ training,” from having lately climbed some of the heights in Switzerland; and additional interest was given to the undertaking, from the lapse of four years since the last ascent, which, according to a list seen at the Priory, was made by my countryman, Capt. E. B. Wilbraham, in 1830.* * T was informed that an attempt had been made this summer (1834) by two gentlemen of Savoy; but that, from bad weather, it had failed.