Swiss allmends, and a walk to see them : $b being a second month in Switzerland

"Swiss Allmends, and a Walk to See Them: Being a Second Month in Switzerland" by F. Barham Zincke is a travel narrative written in the late 19th century. This work chronicles the author's explorations and observations during a month-long excursion in Switzerland, specifically focusing on the concept of commonable lands known as "Almends." The book delves into the geography, culture, and daily lives of the Swiss people, making it an insightful guide for readers interested in historical and cultural travel literature. The opening of the narrative sets the tone for Zincke's journey, beginning with his arrival at Bretzwyl, a village far from typical tourist paths. The author provides a detailed account of his interactions with Professor Heusler, a local authority on Swiss commonable lands, showcasing the cooperative spirit of well-informed locals. As Zincke explores the landscape, he juxtaposes the beauty of the natural setting with the vibrant village life, including a dance and concert that the villagers celebrate in the evening. Through vivid descriptions and personal encounters, the opening portion effectively introduces the book's themes of exploration and cultural examination, inviting readers to join the author on this unique Swiss adventure. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Foster Barham Zincke was a clergyman, a traveller, and an antiquary. Zincke was born on 5 January 1817 at Eardley, a sugar estate in Jamaica. He was the third son of Frederick Burt Zincke, of Jamaica, by his wife, Miss Lawrence, a descendant of Henry Lawrence, president of Oliver Cromwell's council. He was fourth in descent from Christian Friedrich Zincke, the miniature and enamel painter. He entered Bedford School in 1828 and matriculated from Wadham College, Oxford, on 5 March 1835, graduating B.A. on 18 May 1839. He rowed in the Oxford boat at Henley in the same year. In 1840 he was ordained by Charles Richard Sumner, bishop of Winchester, to the curacy of Andover, and in 1841 he became curate of Wherstead and Freston, near Ipswich. In 1847, on the death of the vicar, George Capper, he was appointed vicar of Wherstead on the presentation of the Crown. Soon afterwards he began to contribute to Fraser's Magazine and the Quarterly Review, and in 1852 published Some Thoughts about the School of the Future, in which he criticised with some severity the system of education pursued in the universities and public schools. Shortly afterwards he was appointed one of the queen's chaplains.