140 An ACCOUNT of 
ing in caldrons of three or four feet diameter, and fome of 
them throwing their water from time to time by fudden jets 
into the air. Many fprings in this place, as in the other, boil 
through ftrata of coloured clay, by which they are rendered 
turbid. Here, however, the red clays were brighter, and in 
a greater proportion to the clays of other colours. Here alfo, 
as in the valley of Rykum, are many fmall fprings, which 
throw out fulphureous vapour, and near which the ground, 
and the channel of the water, are covered and lined with a thin 
coat of fulphur. 
Tue farm of Haukadal, and the church of the parifh, ftand’ 
near to each other about three quarters of a mile beyond the 
great fpring. The houfe is one of the beft built in Iceland. 
It occupies a large fpace of ground, and confifts of feveral di- 
vifions, to each of which there is an entrance from without. 
Some of thefe are ufed as barns and ftables for the cattle, and 
others as work-fhops *. The dwelling part of this houfe was. 
fmall, but comfortable. There was a parlour with glafs win-- 
dows, a kitchen, and feparate bed-chambers for the family.. 
The building was partly of ftone, partly of wood, and cover-- 
ed with fods, under which the bark of birch trees. on boards: 
are generally placed, as a greater fecurity againft rain.. 
We were obliged to the miftrefs of this farm, who was av 
rich widow, for a very hofpitable reception, although at firft 
the feemed to confider us rather as unwelcome vifitors, and left: 
us, though we had requefted admittance into her houfe, as we- 
were drenched with rain, and. our tents and baggage not yet: 
arrived, to take up our lodging in the church. We had not 
been long there, however, before fhe invited us to her houfe, 
and. 
* As the divifion of labour is yet very imperfeét in Iceland, the farmer is under the 
neceflity, either of exercifing himfelf the feveral trades required in the formation of the 
inftroments of agriculture, or of maintaining fuch fervants as are capable. to. supply 
them. 
