M. Baer on Animal Life in Nova Zembla. 95 



delibly fixed on the mind. I could not suppress the idea 

 that suggested itself, of a comparison with the appearance 

 of the morning of creation which was yet to be followed by the 

 production of life. But, nevertheless, the movement of ani- 

 mals is occasionally to be witnessed in Nova Zembla. Some- 

 times a large guU (Larus glaucus) may be descried floating 

 in the au-, even at some distance from the coast, or a swift 

 lemming running on the ground. Such occurrences, however, 

 are not sufficiently frequent to give life to the landscape. 



In still weather there is a want of sounds and of sufficient 

 movement, when, as in our case, an expedition is made into 

 the interior, after the departure of the numerous geese which 

 moult on the lakes. The few land birds of Nova Zembla 

 give forth no notes, and the comparatively even less abundant 

 insects produce no noise. The polar fox is only to be heard 

 during the night. This total absence of sound, Avhich is more 

 remarkable in calm weather, reminds the traveller of the still- 

 ness of the grave ; and the lemmings, issuing from the earth, 

 moving along in a straight Une, and then speedily disappear- 

 ing again in the ground, may be compared to spectres. Not- 

 withstanding these signs of animal life, it really seems en- 

 tirely awanting, owing to the small amount of movement 

 visible. In other parts of the world we are accustomed to 

 have the slightest breath of wind rendered apparent by means 

 of the leaves of lofty plants and trees ; but a gentle breeze 

 has no effect on the diminutive plants of the high north — 

 they almost look like painted representations of vegetation. 

 There are almost no insects employed in satisfying their little 

 wants upon them. Of the numerous family of the beetles 

 only one individual was found, viz. a chrysomela, which is 

 perhaps a new species. It is true that on warm days and 

 in mild places, for example near little projecting masses of 

 rock, a bee may be seen on the wing, but, as on moist days 

 with us, no humming is to be heard. Flies and gnats are 

 more abundant ; but even these are so rare, and at the same 

 time so quiet and ilull, that they must be sought for in order 

 to be remarked. I never heard of one of our party being 

 bitten by a gnat, and it may even be said that a wanderer 

 in tho.5e regions long-s to be stung by a Lapland gnat, in order 



