REINDEER-HUNTING IN NORWAY. 27 



interior of the mountains, between Gudbrandsdal and 

 Osterdal. Another party, at the same time, and in 

 the same neighbourhood, killed six deer in seven days. 

 English sportsmen who visit this country for the sake 

 of reindeer shooting, would think themselves fortunate 

 indeed, if they could meet with such luck as this, but 

 it is very seldom to be met with. 



An English friend who visited the Dovre-fjeld in 

 1862, remained there for three months, and shot three 

 reindeer, while another Englishman in the same lo- 

 cality, and during the same period, only shot one. It 

 must not be supposed, however, that the sport is tame, 

 far otherwise. The exhilarating effects of the pure 

 mountain air, the excitement of pursuing the reindeer, 

 the healthy exercise, with the novelty of the rough 

 living, and hungry appetites induced by it, render 

 reindeer-hunting one of the most exciting and enjoy- 

 able of field sports. All that the English sportsman 

 requires is warm clothing, English ammunition, an 

 English rifle, a waterproof overcoat and sheet, and 

 a few creature comforts in the shape of potted meats, 

 cordials, etc. Health and strength are required, of 

 course, to endure the fatigues of an expedition to the 

 fjelds. A good Norwegian guide is an indispensable 

 assistant ; and a small dog, purposely trained to hunt 

 the reindeer, should be purchased, if possible ; al- 

 though, as a general rule, the peasants ask an exor- 

 bitant price for their little animals, an especial draw- 

 back when it is considered that their small specimens 

 of the canine race would be yclept curs in England. 

 As to the Norwegian language, a very trifling acquaint- 

 ance with it will suffice, and there is no teacher like 

 necessity. When hunger is gnawing at a man's vitals, 



