46 TRAVELS IN THE EIGHTIES. 



from this spot the boat had to be hauled a short way 

 overland and re-launched on a succession of small 

 connected lakes, until it was finally dragged ashore 

 for the commencement of the long and tiresome march 

 on foot which was to bring us, in eight or ten hours, 

 to the Foemundsjo and civilisation. 



The ground was covered with elk tracks (Cervus 

 alces), to such an extent that I could not forbear 

 constantly shading my eyes in search for one of these 

 animals, for the sun was low and shining just over 

 the trees from the north-west, in which direction we 

 were proceeding. 



Two men from the last hamlet had come as guides 

 (for a strong wind upon the lake had rendered it im- 

 possible for a man, singly, to row a boat against it to 

 the westward) taking everything between them upon 

 their shoulders, in the leather wallets or knapsacks 

 usual among the peasantry. Now they suddenly 

 stop, being considerably in advance, and we all sink 

 to the ground, for the crackling of birch branches is 

 heard in front, and some large mass can be discerned 

 in the direction of the rays of the setting sun, making 

 its way directly towards us, down the wind. It is 

 an elk ! Never before have we seen one. We have 

 no rifle, and these animals are, at present, out of 

 season. Its enormous antlers can now be seen, still 

 in the velvet. It resembles the pictures of elk one 

 has often seen, and we attempt to get out a sketch- 

 book. It makes a hopeless subject, however, never 

 remaining for more than a moment in the same 



