AN ACCOUNT OF THE LOFFODEN ISLANDS OF NORWAY. 561 



surrounded by meadows and fields follows the other, or, separated by 

 wild and gloomy rocks, tbey seem like fresh green oases among the 

 rocky desert. But in the Lofl'oden nothing is seen but the bare rocks, 

 with fishing villages close to the shore; here the rocks rise high into 

 the air like sharp saws, like crenulated walls, peaks, and cones ; vast 

 walls of rock rise abruptly from the sea ; the rich variety of forms is 

 interesting in the highest degree, and fantastically shaped rocks power- 

 fully engage the imagination of the traveler. There the rocky promon- 

 tory seems adorned with the gigantic statue of an old Norse warrior, 

 some Harold or Olaf ; with low helmet and long flowing gown he stands 

 there leaning on his sword, the very expression of self-confident strength. 

 In another place we see, on a giddy height, two rocks strongly resem- 

 bling a loving couple, the shepherd with his shepherdess. There again 

 a giant seems caught in the narrow fissure of the rock, making furious 

 endeavors to free himself from his captivity ; and often we meet with 

 rocks strangely resembling a monk, who with his hood pulled over his 

 head climbs up the steep rocky walls. All these wonders, however, are 

 thrown in the shade by the wild romantic shores of the Raft Sound. 



** Leaving the broad expanse of water which separates Yesteraalen 

 from the Loffoden Islands, the steamer, passing between numberless 

 low rocky islands, reaches the mouth of the Eaft Sound, which separates 

 the Loffoden Islands from the large island of Hindo. Here we behold 

 a stream which, breaking its way through vast mountain ranges, bears 

 a strong resemblance to the Frazer River of British Columbia as it 

 appears seen from the mouth above the first turn ; even the counter- 

 current is found here ; but we soon become aware of the fact that this 

 is a northern Frazer ; the two yachts under full sail, as following the 

 stream they pass us, and the frame houses on the shores, tell us that we 

 are in Norway, whose characteristic natural features cannot long remain 

 concealed. Meadows and shrubs cover the lower portion of the moun- 

 tain sides; above these, sharp rocky peaks rise high above the snowy 

 summits, and mountain streams and waterfalls send their icy waters 

 into the sea with a roaring noise. Here we find the genuine Norway 

 mountains and cascades, so often seen on paintings and so easily recog- 

 nized even without the names. 



" Nearly all these sounds have their own peculiar currents. Who has 

 not heard of the Maelstrom ? It may not be so generally known, how- 

 ever, that the fishermen of these parts well acquainted with its peculiari- 

 ties enter it in light open boats, and, driven by the current, cast out their 

 nets, and only avoid it when at times it rises threateningly. Now we 

 get a view of the wide southern portion of the sound and of the large 

 island of Molla, which extends before its mouth. Our attention is in- 

 voluntarily attracted by the remarkable mountain called the " Trold- 

 fjeld" (the demons' rock), which comes in view as we pass a steep rocky 

 promontory on the right shore. Like a fantastic castle built by giants, 

 surmounted by Gothic battlements, and with a cupola and two turrets 

 3G p 



