Part 19 (2/2)

as the waters are specially efficacious for gunshot wounds.

The fine Bathing Establishment contains 30 separate bath-rooms, besides 3 douche-rooms, a spray-room, foot bath-room, &c. The springs vary in heat from 71 to 112 Fahr., and are of a similar nature, all containing large proportions of sulphur and baregine. Dr. Lee says, ”The water when drunk has a diuretic, diaph.o.r.etic, and expectorant action; the bath, by its general and local stimulating properties, cleanses foul ulcers,... promotes the exfoliation of carious portions of bone and subsequent cicatrisation, and frequently causes foreign bodies which have been long imbedded ... to make their way to the surface.” It is also highly beneficial for old bullet-wounds, neuralgic affections, rheumatic pains, and stiff joints.

Hotels.--Del'Europe, De France, Des Pyrenees, Richelieu. Board and lodging from 10 to 15 frs. per day in the season (15th of June to September). No hotels open in winter, as the village is covered with snow.

The Climate even in summer is variable--great heat is frequently followed by great cold, necessitating the wearing of woollen under-clothing, which should always be taken.

Bathing Tariff, &c.--Baths and douches from I fr. to 2 frs. 50 cents. For each visit to the drinking-room 5 cents; subscription for one month, 10 frs.

Apartments.--One room, from 2 frs. 50 cents to 6 frs. per day, according to position and size.

Doctors at the Establishment, a few independent, and others from Luz.

[Ill.u.s.tration: TWIXT FRANCE AND SPAIN PANORAMA OF THE HIGHER PYREAN CHAIN.----VIEW TAKEN FROM THE SUMMIT OF THE PIC DU MIDI DE BIGORRE.]

Post and Telegraph Office in the season.

Carriages, Horses, and a.s.ses in abundance; apply at the hotels.

Guides.--Of the 1st cla.s.s: Bastien, Teinturier, Michael Pontis, Menvielle, &c. &c. for the lofty peaks; several of the 2nd cla.s.s for minor excursions.

Chief Excursions::--

For the Promenade Horizontale and the Vallee de Lienz, refer to Chapter VI.

Pic de Nere.--6 hrs. there and back. Beware of vipers.

Pic du Midi de Bigorre.--8 hrs. up and down. Guide and horses, 5 frs. each. The favourite excursion in the vicinity, and one of the finest in the Pyrenees. The panorama which is annexed is on a fine day truly magnificent. Horses can be taken to the summit, where there is an excellent inn.

Lacs d'Es...o...b..us.--2 hrs. to the Lac d'Es...o...b..us; 2 hrs. 30 min.

to the Lac Blanc; 2 hrs. return. Guide 4 to 6 frs., horses ditto.

Pic d'Ayre.--6 to 7 hrs. up and down. Horses can be taken within 1/2 hr. of summit. Guide 6 frs., horses ditto.

Pic de Lienz.--5 hrs. up and down. A pleasant climb. See Chapter VI.

Le Neouville.--12 hrs. by the Col d'Aure, there and back. Guide necessary--10 frs. Splendid view over all the higher Pyrenees.

BAUDeAN.--A village in the Campan valley on the Route Thermale, between Bigorre and Luchon, in the Hautes-Pyrenees.

BAYONNE.--City and first-cla.s.s fortress in the Ba.s.ses-Pyrenees, on the Adour and the Nive, standing some 2 miles from the sh.o.r.es of the terrible Biscay Bay. On the direct line from Bordeaux to Biarritz and Spain.

Hotels.--St. Etienne, Du Commerce, Amba.s.sadeurs, St. Martin, De la Bilbana, De la Guipuzcoana, and Du Panier fleuri. Rail to Negresse station for Biarritz; also narrow-gauge railway to Biarritz _via_ Anglet.

Splendid twin-towered cathedral, ancient fortifications, &c. Excellent market and good shops, which are more reasonable than at Biarritz.

Post and Telegraph Office, English Vice-Consulate, &c.

Cabs.--The course 1 fr., the hour 2 frs. 25 cents and 50 cents extra respectively for 2 horses.

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