s Mr. Lentherie, "the most robust mountaineer had only to pass a
few months in the depths of the Alps to contract the germs of a
tropical disease. Under the thick layer of snow and ice that enveloped
him he had to work naked like a tropical negro or an Indian stoker on
a Red Sea steamer; and in this Alpine world, where everything outside
reminds one of the polar climate, he sweltered as in a caldron and
often died of heat."

The bad conditions found at St. Gothard will be met also, very
probably, in the new Alpine tunnels that have been projected in recent
years--those at the Simplon, St. Bernard and Mont Blanc. It can be
predicted that for Mont Blanc in particular the temperature of 40
degrees (104 degrees F.) will be far exceeded. M. de Lapparent even
considers that the figure of 55 degrees (131 degrees F.) proposed by
some geologists is moderate, and errs by defect rather than by excess.

The engineer Stockalpa, who for four years has directed one of the
workshops at St. Gothard, and has made a profound study of this
temperature question, does not hesitate to say that under Mont Blanc
the temperature will be 33 degrees (91 degrees F.) at three kilometers
from the entrance, that it will reach 50 degrees (122 degrees F.)
under the Saussure Pass, and 53.5 degrees (128 degrees F.) under the
Tacul Peak, falling again to 31 degrees (88 degrees F.) under the
White Valley.

These are only probabilities, but they are founded on facts, and we
may imagine all the preventive measures that they will render
imperative.

The experience that has been acquired in these latter years has
indicated the best methods of ventilation and cooling. The compressed
air used in the workings produces by its escape a very sensible
lowering of the temperature, which can be made still lower by using
saline solutions whose freezing point is as low as -20 degrees (4
degrees F.), and which will circulate through pipes along the tunnel.
The removal of the debris can be effected by electric locomotives;
thus the horses, which use up the precious air, can be done away
with. The electric light, which can be operated without contamination
or consuming the air, will also render great service; these
improvements can all be carried out with ease. Together with the
preceding, they will form a group of processes that will enable us to
gain the victory over the interior heat of the great Alpine tunnels.

* * * * *

AN