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Hecla was obtained. On our way to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, an 
iceberg was said to be in sight. As we gradually approached it the 
jllusion was dispelled, it being the summis of Sncefell—a mountain 
5,960ft. high, and covered with perpetual snow. We had seen it, in the 
first instance,at a distance of 70 miles. In this 4} days’ steam a little 
excitement was got up in the shape of seamen’s sports, races, jumping in 
sacks, tug of war, &c., and the ladies on board contributed their quota by 
anegg race. This-is carried out by obtaining hard boiled eggs and a tea 
spoon attached to a handle about a foot in length, with this to take up 
an egg, deposit it at certain chalked lines on the deck, and to again 
take it up until arrival at the goal. The prize was half-a-dozen pairs 
of gloves, and the fortunate receiver was the one who did it in the 
shortest time, Arriving at Reykjavik on the 11th July, our stay was 
nearly four days. Reykjavik, pronounced Rikavik, is the residence of 
the Governor, the seat of the Supreme Court of Judicature, and an 
Episcopal See. The principal street extends along the water side, and 
is continued for about half-a-mile beyond the business part of the town. 
There are séveral other streets, all of which contain a few good houses, 
some of stone, but the great majority of them are wooden buildings. 
The finest edifice in Iceland is that where the Althing (Parliament) 
meets, and is substantially constructed of stone. It also contains the 
Museum of Antiquities, The Cathedral is a building capable of con- 
taining 500 people. The Post Office is on one side of the square, and in 
the centre stands a fine statue of Thorwalsden. The interior of the island 
is wild and desolate. It is covered by lofty mountain masses of 
_voleanic origin, many of them crowned with perpetual snow and ice, 
which, stretching down into the neighbouring valleys, form immense 
glaciers. 
These icy mountains take the common name of Jékull, and the 
highest are Qrafajokull, on the S.E. Coast 6,409ft. high, Sncefell before 
mentioned 5,960ft., and Eyjafjulla Jokull 5,570ft. Not only is the 
structure of these mountains volcanic, but in some the agency is still 
active. 
The general effect of volcanic agency and the geological formations 
are seen on a magnificent scale on Mount Hecla. Other remarkable 
specimens of volcanic agency are seen in the Hot Springs or Geysers, 
which exist in different parts of the island. One in particular is 
