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Snow. The Snow, melted by the heat of the Summer, other Snow being faln within a little while after, is hardned into Jce, which by little and little in along tract of time depurating it self turns into a Stone, not yeilding in hardness and clearness to Chrystall. Such Stones closely Joyned and compacted together compose a whole Mountain, and that a very firm one; though in Summer-time the Country-people have observed it to bust asunder with great cracking, Thunder-like; which is also well known to Hunters to their great cost, forasmuch as such cracks and openings, being by the Winds covered with Snow, are the death of those, that pass over them.
At the foot of these mountains are with great labour digg'd out Chrystals, which are round among other fossils, of two sorts and colors; some of them are darkish and troubled, which by some are call'd-the Chrystal-ore, to be plenteously found in the ascent of Mount Gotthard; others tranparent, very pure and as clear as Venice-glass; sexangular, great and small: as in the mountains about Valesia, and the Town call'd Urselen at the foot of the Hill Schelenin they are digg'd out, and sold at a good rate. Of this latter kind my Parents, four years-agoe, transmitted a very bigg and fair one to Milan for 80. pound sterling.
This is, what I have observed about these Hills; What I shall farther learn of the people, inhabiting thereabout, to whom I have written a month since, I than impart to you,
In September 1668.
Some Observations
1. THe Japonese doubt not at all of their Contry's being an Island; though it be separated from the Continent by such narrow Channels that no vessel of any considerable burthen can pass them.
