2-982-641 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Ascent of the Great St. Bernard - loading wood for the Hospice near St. Pierre - from a drawing by G. Barnard, 1858. 'Mr. George Barnard writes:..."This Sketch, although bearing all the impress of winter, was taken at the latter end of August. I happened to encounter a heavy snowstorm all the time I was on this interesting pass. I sketched this winterly scene...where the servants of the Hospice, with their horses and dogs, are employed in loading and carrying wood for the daily use of the establishment. This is really one of the most arduous of their employments, as not a tree will grow within three leagues of the convent, and the consumption of wood is enormous. The whole building is somewhat warmed with stoves and hot air, but they have also cheerful fires in the drawing-room and refectory, and ladies are often privileged to have a fire in their bedrooms; but a very great demand occurs for the necessary cooking for such a large establishment, and, as water boils at 190 degrees, and of course does not cook the meat so rapidly as at 212, it consequently takes considerably longer. The hay for the horses and cows has also to be carried up; but the guides with mules have either to bring their own hay, or buy it at a greatly-increased rate".' From "Illustrated London News", 1858.