7648. RIVER, Rhone.—
Nature never
formed a country of more savage aspect, than
that on both sides the Rhone. A huge torrent
rushes like an arrow between high precipices,
often of massive rock, at other times of loose
stone, with but little earth. Yet has the hand
of man subdued this savage scene, by planting
corn where there is little fertility, trees where
there is still less, and vines where there is none.
On the whole, it assumes a romantic, picturesque,
and pleasing air.—
Travels in France. Washington ed. ix, 320.
(1787)
