OUR NEIGHBOURS 101 



whom each dancer contributes a mite, makes 

 music. It is our privilege to provide the 

 refreshments, consisting of beer and lemon- 

 ade. This dance is a part of the celebration 

 of midsummer, some of the customs connected 

 with which are said to date from times long 

 anterior to the introduction of Christianity. 

 Bonfires blaze on the hills, and torches flare 

 from boats on the fjord. There is much leap- 

 ing through flames ; and other heathenish rites 

 are observed. Last year we brought from 

 England some fireworks and coloured lights, 

 and though in the twilight of midsummer night 

 they did not show to advantage, they had a 

 great success. The fiddler was deserted, and 

 at the conclusion of our entertainment we re- 

 ceived a round of applause, a most unusual 

 compliment from these shy and stolid youngsters. 

 This year, owing to Lars' death, we give no 

 encouragement to the dance, and it falls through. 

 There are plenty of young people and children 

 here, but, owing to the enormous emigration 

 to America, there seems to be quite a scarcity 

 of able-bodied men. Enterprise and adventure 

 are in the Norseman's blood. The land breeds 

 more and stronger men than it can support. 



