Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 · Chapter
Notes to the Preface of the Fifth Edition explained
Whymper provides updates on changes since earlier editions, including new inns and huts, map revisions, early ascents of the Aiguilles d'Arve, the death of Christian Almer, alterations on the southern side of the Matterhorn, Carrel's Galler
What happens
Whymper provides updates on changes since earlier editions, including new inns and huts, map revisions, early ascents of the Aiguilles d'Arve, the death of Christian Almer, alterations on the southern side of the Matterhorn, Carrel's Gallery, and Sig. Guido Rey's exploration of the Furgg Ridge.
Themes in this chapter
Exploration and Discovery
Whymper documents new ascents, map revisions, and the exploration of the Furgg Ridge, highlighting ongoing discovery.
Danger and Mortality
The death of Christian Almer and the precarious state of the Great Tower on the Matterhorn underscore the risks of mountaineering.
Personal Growth and Skill
Whymper reflects on changes in the mountain landscape and his own evolving understanding of routes and conditions.
Characters to notice
- Edward Whymper
Author, reviser of the text and maps, and observer of changes on the Matterhorn.
- Christian Almer
Old guide and friend; died on May 17, 1898, aged 72.
- Jean-Antoine Carrel
His descent route on the Matterhorn is referenced as 'Carrel's Gallery'.
- Mr. Craufurd Grove
First tourist to ascend the Matterhorn on the Italian side; his opinion on Carrel's route is cited.
- Mr. W. E. Davidson
Ascended the Matterhorn by the Italian side in 1895 with guides Daniel Maquignaz and Christian Klucker.
- Daniel Maquignaz
Guide who assisted in the Furgg Ridge exploration by descending from the summit and fixing ropes.
- Sig. Guido Rey
Explored the Furgg Ridge in 1899, attempting to reach the summit via that route.
- Dr. Fodéré
Wrote an article on the Aiguilles d'Arve and reported early ascents.
Key passages
“Most of the characters mentioned in Scrambles have now departed. One of the last to go was my old Guide and Friend Christian Almer.”
Many of the people in the book have died, including Christian Almer, who was one of the last to pass away.
Whymper mourns the loss of his old guide and friend.
“The summit of the Col du Lion was lower than it was formerly, from diminution of the snow; and the passage across it was shorter than it used to be.”
The Col du Lion had less snow, making its summit lower and the crossing shorter than before.
Whymper observes significant glacial and snow changes over 30 years.
“Woe betide those who may be beneath the Great Tower when it falls.”
Anyone under the Great Tower when it collapses will be in great danger.
Whymper warns of the imminent collapse of the Great Tower on the Matterhorn.
