214 THE NATURALIST IN NOEWAY. 



island of the Loffoden group, and Loppod point. The 

 swiftness of the current depends on the wind and 

 state of the weather and tide. With a boisterous 

 west wind, the current runs constantly to the east- 

 ward, both with the ebb and flood ; if the sea then 

 rises, the velocity of the current increases, and the 

 sound is rendered unnavigable. During winter storms, 

 and even when a strong gale is blowing in summer, 

 it is not safe to go through the channel ; but with a 

 fair wind, and in fine weather, there is no danger. 

 There is at no time a vortex, although ships caught in 

 the current may be drifted on to the rocks, and be 

 lost ; to avoid the most dangerous part, it is necessary 

 to keep to the Loppod point. So little is thought of 

 the Mahlstrom by the hardy northern mariners, who 

 are acquainted with it, that the frail barks of the 

 country pass and repass at all states of the tide, except 

 under the circumstances previously described. Small 

 boats actually fish in the centre of the channel. Far 

 from drawing in great whales, the fish sport about 

 in the current; and experienced fishermen, knowing 

 this, lay down their lines there ; for it is certain that 

 all kinds of fish, whether in fresh or salt water, prefer 

 localities where there are eddies or currents. 



The Norwegians are great epicures as regards salt- 

 water fish, which must be brought to their doors 

 alive, otherwise, they will not purchase. The small 

 cod-fish only is eaten at a gentleman's table, and the 

 larger ones are considered only fit for poor people. 

 " There is an art in the roasting of eggs," and cer- 

 tainly nothing can be more delicious than a young 

 cod, purchased alive at one's door in a Norwegian 

 town, then killed and cleaned, boiled in water with a 



