NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE 



109 



and beer, it has virtually eliminated distilled spirits and has not 

 fostered the growth of a "bootlegger" class. The only source of 

 wines and beer is a government dispensary in which there is no 

 display or advertising. No alcoholic beverage may be obtained 

 elsewhere except in two large restaurants, and here only with 

 regular meals. The absence of any signs of drunkenness was 

 notable, and as a result of this policy drinking has never become 

 the "thing to do" among the young people. 



An Icelandic Woman in Native Dress 



The girls wear the latest Parisian costumes until they are married at which time tliej- 

 revert to the ancient dress of black cloth and ornamental skull-cap. 



On Sunday, Mr. Sveinston conducted us on an all-day trip 

 to the famous valley of Thingvalla. This magnificent plain is 

 about forty miles by auto from Reykjavik, and is the place where, 

 exactly one thousand years ago, the first parliament of the world 

 was organized. Stretching to the bases of the distant volcanoes 

 are green pastures, intersected by streams and lakes. Here and 

 there over the landscape are great fissures in the lava-field, where 

 water has collected, forming deep pools which display every con- 

 ceivable shade of blue. A romantic spot in a romantic country ! 



