2i8 Musings by Camp-Fire and Wayside 



and small fruits, bunch beans, peas, and other quick 

 producers. I notice some gardening already among 

 the natives. Then the reindeer for milk, meat, and 

 the best of clothing for such a climate — of course 

 these islands will be populated. 



I was looking about for a stake-claim, and openly 

 proclaiming my purpose to settle on this mossy, 

 sunny, and noble chain of sub-arctic islands, and 

 "grow up with the country. " They laughed at that 

 and asked me to wait a bit — not to jump to conclu- 

 sions. The next day, the wind coming from the 

 same quarter and bringing oceans of sunlight on its 

 cerulean back, there came a cold, penetrating 

 drizzle. Over my vest I drew a sweater, over that 

 my coat, then an overcoat, and over all a blue 

 mackintosh, buttoning to my ankles, also shaker 

 socks, winter shoes of double soles and double 

 uppers, a pair of fleece-lined mittens, and a plush 

 cap. The whole outfit was not too much for this 

 land of sunshine and of perfume! Then I began to 

 suspect why they laughed. When one wants the 

 facts let him ask an unsophisticated boy or girl. 

 "How much such weather as yesterday do you have 

 here?" The youth looked down reflectively, and 

 answered, "Well, I think three or four days in a 

 month; that is, in summer." "Well, if I should 

 ask you what kind of a day this is, what would you 

 say?" Glancing around at the sky, he said, "Oh, 

 I'd call it fairish — as good as the most that we 

 get. ' ' 



