Maria Edgeworth to Mrs Ruxton from Pregny, Switzerland - Maria Edgeworth's special relationship with her aunt and the latter's close resemblance to Richard Lovell Edgeworth - Maria's unexpected delight at the beauties of nature - Mont Blanc - arrival at Pregny - Dumont, M.A. Pictet, the Marcets, Decandolle and the Prevosts at dinner - excursion to Chamouny with Pictet and J.L. Moilliet - good inns - Pictet - La Flégère - the guides - Pierre Balmat - Swiss peasants - Merde Glace - emigration - Patois - cloth manufactory - Arago - Ondine - char a banc - inn at St Gervais and the guests - Gontar the host - Chamouny - dinner with Mrs Marcet at Malagny - Decandolle - goitres - cretins