SKETCHES FROM SZTERSDAL. 235 
will be lke that of the aborigines in America and 
Australia: their race will in time disappear from the 
country, and one will have to take a journey to Siberia 
in order to get a bear-skin. 
Once, but it is longer ago than in the memory of 
man, there were beavers to be found in the valley—a 
fact which the names of certain farms clearly indicate ; 
but these too have long since disappeared ; the law was 
too late in protecting them against destruction. It is 
said, however, that even yet in one remote mountain- 
lake remains of their clever building operations are yet 
to be seen. But the otter at least does not bear its 
name in vain, for otters are found here in plenty, and 
there are few to look after them and hunt them. 
English travellers who are desirous of studying the 
habits of a strange people, and who do not mind putting 
up with such inconveniences as dirt, and poor accommo- 
dation, will probably find a visit to Szetersdal both in- 
teresting and remunerative. 
