The character of ice varies: if some sleet has been falling-or snow, which facilitates freezing-it is thick in colour; if the wind was still it is dark, sleek, perfectly transparent.
"Wild Life in a Southern County"
Richard Jefferies
They address themselves, it may be said, chiefly to the soldier or seaman, as illustrating his especial business of directing war; and while their value to the civilian cannot be denied,-for whatever really enlightens public opinion in a country like ours facilitates military operations,-nevertheless the function of coast defence, as contributory to sea power, is a lesson most necessary to be absorbed by laymen; for it, as well as the maintenance of the fleet, is in this age the work of peace times, when the need of preparation for war is too little heeded to be understood.
"Lessons of the war with Spain and other articles"
Alfred T. Mahan
On the south side, about half way up, there is a large tree, which facilitates the ascent to the top.
"Incidents of Travel in Yucatan, Vol. I."
John L. Stephens