The Mendel Road And The Dolomites.

But the incomparable, peerless drive in the vicinity of Meran is, and must ever be, the crossing of the Stelvio to Italy. Of this the winter visitors to South Tyrol know nothing; for, on account of storms and snow, the route is practicable only between early June and late September. All summer long, however, a line of travelers is continually moving through Meran, on their way to or from the Pass, usually halting here a day or two to rest. The road to the Stelvio winds westward through the Vintschgau valley, whose open door is always visible from Meran. If possible, the first stage of the journey - about five hours in duration - should be made just after a rain; for, owing to heavy traffic and the composition of the soil, this portion of the way is often dusty. Beyond that point, however, neither dust nor heat will be experienced. A thunderstorm, attended with some wind, on the afternoon previous to the start, will usually make ideal weather for the excursion; for on the following morning the mountains will be clear, the air invigorating, and the road in good condition. Happy the tourists who, seated in their own hired carriage behind two spirited horses, set off on such a day in the freshness of the morning on this memorable tour. Steadily upward winds our route, soon after we emerge from the old Vintschgau portal of Meran; up past Schloss Forst, whose ivied walls are glistening in the rising sun; across the roaring waterfall, whose breathless rush creates the electric power for Meran and Obermais; over the foaming Etsch, which, at the sight of the enchanting valley waiting to receive it, leaps from ledge to ledge as swiftly now as when the Roman legionaries slaked their thirst in its cool flood; and, finally, out upon the " Roman Terrace," where nineteen hundred years ago stood not alone the imperial Custom House, which rendered unto Caesar what belonged to Caesar, but also the, no doubt conspicuous, temple of Diana, in which was paid to the fair deity the homage due the gods. Then, after giving one long, parting look at the descending Etsch Thal, shimmering in the warmth and glory of its floods of sunshine and its fruitful fields, we turn into the Vintschgau Thal, and follow the direction of the ancient Via Claudia Augusta toward the Engadine.

The Grand Hotel Penegal, On The Mendel. View From The Mendel.

A Characteristic View In The Vintschgau Valley.

A Group Of Meran Peasants.

A Tyrolese Girl And Her Defender.

Upon this section of the route the author must, for lack of space, touch only lightly; but it is full of interest. At times a feudal stronghold silently salutes us from a neighboring height; its crenelated towers pointing toward the snowy pyra mids nine thousand feet above it; while at its feet lie peasants' cottages and vineyards. The arcades of the latter look, in springtime, when contrasted with the neighboring flowery fields and blossoming fruit trees, bleak and bare; but in the summer and autumn they are grape-lined corridors of green and gold. Some of these mediaeval castles are still inhabited, a modern annex having been attached to the original nucleus; and more than one of them could be transformed by a man of wealth and taste into a home that kings might covet. Others, like Castel Bell and the old tower at Mals, stand tenantless in mournful ruin. An important point is reached when we arrive at Neu Spondinig, where the road divides. The highway to the right goes on through the romantic gorge of Finstermünz to Landeck, - a picturesque old city on the river Inn, as well as a prominent station on the Vorarlberg railway which, through magnificent surroundings, climbs the Tyrolese Alps from Switzerland to Innsbruck. But we must resolutely turn from that digression, tempting though it be, and take the road which branches off from Neu Spondinig toward the left; for this it is which leads directly to the Stelvio and Italy.