On each side of the gates are
two enormous white stone bears, the emblems of the tutelary genius of this
city.
The houses are very lofty and solidly built. The promenades in the
environs of Bern are the finest I have seen anywhere, and the grounds
allotted to this purpose are very tastefully laid out. These promenades are
paved with gravel and cut thro' the forests, that lie on the coteaux and
ravines on the other side of the Aar. There are several neat villas in the
neighbourhood of these promenades, and there are cafes and restaurants
for those who chuse to refresh themselves. Such is the beauty of these
walks, that one feels inclined to pass the whole day among them. They are
laid out in such variety, and are so multiplied, that you often lose your
way; you are sure however to be brought up by a point de vue at one or
other of the angles of the zig-zag; and this serves as a guide pour vous
orienter, as the French say. Another favorite promenade is a garden, in
the town itself, that environs the whole city from which and from the
superb terrace of the Cathedral you have a magnificent view of the glaciers
that tower above the Grindelwald and Lauterbrunn. The immense forests that
are in the neighbourhood of Bern form a striking contrast with the
cornfields in the vallies and on the coteaw. There are but few vineyards
in the neighbourhood of Bern.
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