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Show Glaciers In The Andes. - Among the most interesting of the discoveries made by Edward Whymper in the recent clambering among the high peaks of the Andes, near the equator, is that of the existence of glaciers in these mountains, rivaling the famous glaciers of the Alps. He says the upper portions of Chimborazo and Antisana, for 4,000 feet downward from their summits, are almost enveloped by glaciers. This is the more remarkable inasmuch as Antisana, according to Humboldt's observations, is, or has been, a volcano. In fact, that whole region abounds with volcanoes, and when Mr. Whymper made his last ascent of Chimborazo the great peak was enveloped in a cloud of fallen ashes thrown out by its fiery neighbor, Cotopaxi. One observation of Humboldt's is very interesting. He was struck with the difference in the voices of the volcanoes, whose roaring can be heard two or three hundred miles away. The voice of the volcano Sangay, he says, was harsh and very characteristic. It was likened to snoring. Pichincha made a rattling and clacking noise that was very disagreeable, especially when heard at night in Quito. |