286 NOEWAT. 



individual units thereof. One man wore a dark brown 

 pair of coarse homespun trousers, a jacket and vest o3 

 the same material, and a bright scarlet cap, such as 

 fishermen are wont to wear. One woman wore a dark 

 coarse gown and a pure white kerchief on her head tied 

 under her chin. There were some slight modifications, 

 no doubt, but the multiplication of those two by a thon- 

 sand gives very nearly the desired result. The men 

 resembled a crop of enormous poppies, and the women a 

 crop of equally gigantic lilies. 



Yet, although the brilliancy of the red and white was 

 intense, the deep sombreness of the undergrowth was 

 overpowering. There was a dark rifle -corps-like effect 

 about them at a distance, which albeit suggestive of 

 pleasing military memories in these volunteering days 

 was in itself emphatically dismal. 



Having come there to enjoy themselves, these good 

 people set about the manufacture of enjoyment with that 

 grave, quiet, yet eminently cheerful demeanour, which is 

 a characteristic feature of most of the country people 

 of Norway whom I have seen. They had delayed 

 commencing operations until our arrival. Several of 

 the older men came forward and shook hands with us 

 very heartily after which they placed three old boats 

 together and covered them outside and in with tar, so 

 that when the torch was applied there was such a sudden 

 blaze of light as dimmed the lustre of the midnight sun 

 himself for a time. 



Strange to say, no enthusiasm seemed to kindle in the 



