MODERN HERMIT

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 37, 12 August 1930, Page 13

MODERN HERMIT

A CASE OF "NERVES"

A modern hermit's cell 3s being finished on the Monte Genoroso, the beautiful peak in the very heart of tho Italian Lakes.

The cell is situated about ono hundred feet below the top, within six feet of the Swiss-Italian boundary, and can only be approached ■by the small footpath which leads along the frontier on the narrow crest of the mountain, and is only used by the Customs officers on their patrols. Otherwise the. hermitage answers its purpose splendidly, standing right above a sheer descent of four thousand feet, a place where an eagle might build Ms eyrie. Clinging to tho bare precipitous rock of the mountainside without any space to walk around, tho cell looks like a swallow's nest. Thore is a door at the back and a 'window in front looking down into tho abyss;'and'far upon tho lakes and mountains.. But it is well furnished and provided with electric current, for lighting, cooking, and heating purposes. On its side there is a special water tank, in which, the rainwater is gathered. Tho future hermit, who was recently staying at the Kulm Hotel of the Monte Gencroso, superintending the iinishing toueh.es to her cell, is a member of the Italian aristocracy, Marqucsa Vitaloschi. A Dutch lady by birth, she married the Marquese, who is twenty years older than she. The Generoso was ever her favourite spot. But her husband never accompanied her.

The reason for the hermit's retironient is her nerves. Sho is said not to bo able to heal* human faces'and voices. She will not see anyone in her cell. Her supplies will bo slipped down from tho top on a wire-cord, up to the hotol by ■ the little railway, and thence cai'ried to the top by mules. This will cost money. The total costs of the very modest little dwelling therefore rise to tho very considerable sum of between. £GOO. and £700.