70 VOYAGE TO SPITZBERGEN. 



young, and seldom brings forth more than one at a 

 time. Her attachment to her offspring is remark- 

 ably strong. 



The rein-deer species do not bound, but run 

 with an even pace, and with considerable rapidi- 

 ty ; in running, they make a clattering noise with 

 their hoofs. They swim very well, crossing in 

 their way narrow arms of- the sea. Their senses 

 of smelling and hearing are extremely acute ; and 

 it has been observed, that they are more cautious 

 when in flocks, than when living in a solitary man- 

 ner. 



The camel is not more useful to the Arabians, 

 than the rein-deer to the Laplanders, and nor- 

 thern Asiatics ; it, in fact, constitutes their whole 

 riches ; and on this valuable animal they may be 

 said entirely to depend. An attention to rearing 

 and preserving them, forms the sole business of their 

 lives, and to that alone their agricultural economy 

 is confined. 



" The rein-deer forms their riches. These, their tents, 

 Their robes, their beds, and all their homely wealth, 

 Supply their wholesome fare, and cheerful cups : 

 Obsequious at their call, the docile tribe 

 Yield to the sled their necks, and whirl them swift 

 O'er hill and dale, heap'd into one expanse 

 Of marbled snow, as far as eye can sweep, 

 With a blue crust of ice unbounded glaz'd." 





