Strange Method of Crossing a Torrent

Abstract

REFERRING to the inquiry of your correspondent as to the existence in modern times of the practice of carrying a stone to steady oneself whilst crossing a torrent, I may state that it is well known to the inhabitants of mountainous districts, and though practically it may not often have to be resorted to in Switzerland, where the streams are mostly well bridged, I have myself been glad to adopt it in Dauphiné. As, however, a weight on the head or shoulders would, by raising the centre of gravity, rather diminish than add to the steadiness of the bearer, it is more usual to fill the lower side pockets of the coat, and perhaps take a large stone in each hand, and I have certainly found this useful in traversing rapid glacier streams when mid-thigh deep.