AN ACCOUNT OF THE LOFFODEN ISLANDS OF NORWAY. 501 



surrounded by meadows and fields follows tbe otber, or, separated by 

 wild and gloomy rocks, tbey seem like fresb green oases among tbe 

 rocky desert. But in tbe Lofi'oden notbiug is seen but tbe bare rocks, 

 witb fishing villages close to tbe sborej here the rocks rise bigb into 

 tbe air like sharp saws, like crenulated walls, peaks, and cones ; vast 

 walls of rock rise abruptly from tbe sea ; tbe rich variety of forms is 

 interesting in tbe highest degree, and I'autastically shaped rocks power- 

 fully engage the imagination of the traveler. There tbe rocky promon- 

 tory seems adorned witb tbe gigantic statue of an old Norse warrior, 

 some Harold or Olaf ; with low helmet and long flowing gown be strands 

 tbere leaning on bis sword, the very expression of self-confident strength. 

 In another place we see, on a giddy beight, two rocks strongly resem- 

 bling a loving couple, tbe sbepberd with bis shepherdess. Ibere again 

 a giant seems caught in tbe narrow fissure of tbe rock, making furious 

 endeavors to free himself from his captivity; and often we meet witb 

 rocks strangely resembling a monk, who witb bis hood pulled over his 

 bead climbs up the steep rocky walls. All these wonders, however, are 

 thrown in the shade by tbe wild romantic shores of tbe Eaft Sound. 



"Leaving tbe broad expanse of water wbicb separates Vesteraalea 

 from tbe Loffoden Islands, the steamer, passing between numberless 

 low rocky islands, reaches tbe moutb of tbe Eaft Sound, which separates 

 the Loffoden Islands from the large island of Hindo. Here we behold 

 a stream wbich, breaking its way througb vast mountain ranges, bears 

 a strong resemblance to tbe Frazer River of British Columbia as it 

 appears seen from the moutb above the first turn ; even tbe counter- 

 current is found here ; but we soon become aware of tbe fact that tbis 

 is a nortberu Frazer; tbe two yachts under full sail, as following the 

 stream tbey pass us, and the frame houses on tbe shores, tell us that wo 

 are in Norway, whose characteristic natural features cannot long remain 

 concealed. Meadows and shrubs cover the lower portion of tbe moun- 

 tain sides; above these, sharp rocky peaks rise bigb above tbe suowj 

 summits, and mountain streams and waterfalls send their icy waters 

 into the sea with a roaring noise. Here we find tbe genuine Norway 

 mountains and cascades, so often seen on paintings and so easily recog.- 

 nized even without the names. 



" Nearly all these sounds have their own peculiar currents. Who has 

 not heard of the Maelstrom ? It may not be so generally known, bow- 

 ever, that tbe fishermen of these parts well acquainted with its peculiari- 

 ties enter it in light open boats, and, driven by the current, cast out their 

 nets, and only avoid it when at times it rises threateningly. Now we 

 get a view of the wide southern portion of the sound and of tbe large 

 island of Molla, which extends before its mouth. Our attention is in- 

 voluntarily attracted by the remarkable mountain called the '• Trold- 

 fjeld" (tbe demons' rock), which comes in view as we pass a steep rocky 

 promontory on the right shore. Like a fantastic castle built by giants, 

 surmounted by Gothic battlements, and with a cupola and two turrets 

 36 F 



