Pyrenees, of a comparable nature, that could pretend to vie with
the harmonious loveliness of the panorama that can be seen at
sunset from Montreux across Lac Leman, when the water is rippleless
and the mountains are bathed in a rosy flood. But for all that, in
other ways--in flower-clothed slopes, in luxurious valleys, in
winding rivers and foaming cascades--the Pyrenees present pictures
that, with the freshness of springtime to aid them, cannot fail to
delight and charm.

Four roads cross the Pyrenees from France to Spain: the Route
Nationale, from Paris to Madrid _viâ_ Bayonne; the Route
Départementale, from Bayonne to Pampeluna _viâ_ the Col d'Urdax; the
Route Nationale, from Perpignan to Barcelona _viâ_ Gerona; and the
route from Pau to Jaca _viâ_ Oloron. There are other ways of entering
Spain by the Cols (passes), but over these a horse track is the
broadest path.

The principal bathing resorts on the French side are connected by
the splendid Route Thermale, which extends for 70 miles; but, owing
to its exposed position in some parts, especially between Eaux
Bonnes and Argelès, and Barèges and Ste. Marie, it is only wholly
open three or four months in the year!

Of the mineral springs it is sufficient to state here that, within
the same extent of country, no other part of Europe can present
such a wonderful choice. There are three principal kinds--the
sulphurous, the saline, and the ferruginous; and over 200 springs
contribute to them. Some resorts have waters of each of these
classes, and many have at any rate two out of the three.