FBEDERIKSHAAB. 145 



We were not sorry to escape from the stifling atmo- 

 sphere of the huts ; and presently leaving the settlement 

 behind us, and crossing a swampy valley traversed by 

 numerous streams, we proceeded np the mountains, over 

 some ridges of yet undissolved snow. I was fortunate 

 in my companion. Dr. Rink never seemed at a loss ; he 

 had a ready and instructive answer to all my questions, 

 whether they related to flowers, minerals, or the physical 

 condition of the country. 



Climbing to the top of the first hill, we took a survey 

 of the district ; wild and rugged in the extreme, the 

 whole interior visible from the point where we stood 

 appeared to consist of mountains with intervening wind- 

 ing passages I cannot call them valleys, for our idea of 

 a valley is connected with verdure and softened beauty, 

 while these passes are covered with blocks of stones and 

 boulders, very few flowers interspersed among them, 

 and those apparently pleading for life. We were happy 

 enough to obtain a few minerals, some specimens of 

 rough garnets, allanite, tantalite, molybdenite, &c., with 

 copper, tin, and iron ores in small quantities. 



Passing round the corner of one of the huge blocks 

 which bestrewed our way, we startled a couple of hares 

 quietly feeding at its base ; they scampered off some 

 distance before one of them fell at the discharge of my 

 gun. At that season it did not differ in appearance and 

 jolour from the hares of this country, but its coat be- 

 comes completely white in the winter time, giving it a 

 greater chance of escape from its enemies ; it is then 



