SKETCHES FROM SZ TERSDAL. PAT 
expected. “How much will you give?” is a question 
which he will ask at every step; and before this im- 
portant point is decided, not an inch will he budge from 
his place. : 
This is a sad trait in his character, but, unfortunately, 
too true, as every stranger who has come in contact 
with a Setersdal peasant will allow. The cause of this 
disobliging and calculating spirit, which is so uncom- 
mon generally speaking in the country, is difficult to 
explain. It must arise from his isolated and secluded 
position, which has given his feelings, thoughts, and 
interests, a sort of spiral form, constantly converging 
towards a point, which point is himself. Intercourse 
and contact with others will probably considerably 
ameliorate this failing. 
It were to be wished that it would also be instru- 
mental in checking and restraining another peculiarity, 
which obtains certainly more amongst the Sztersdal 
peasants than any others in the country. It is their 
abominable filthiness! In this they certainly gain the 
palm—at all events, there are very few who approach 
them. | 
The Seetersdal peasant has an innate horror of water, 
and washes himself (properly) only every Christmas 
time! On his cottage floor, which has not undergone 
any cleansing process ever since it was laid down, his 
pig jumps cheerfully about; the hens sit on the shelf, 
