154 ^^S^^^^ Travels in Norway. 



formed by the mainland and rocky islands which gird 

 the coast. 



These stern and, for the most part, sterile piles of 

 granite are characteristic, and in many places grand, 

 notably the peak of Horneln ; yet the seaboard after a 

 while becomes monotonous, and the sylvan growth which 

 clothes its inland arms affords welcome relief to the eye. 



As we approach the interior, the newly unfolded leaves 

 of the silver-birch, the yellow needles of the pine-shoots, 

 and the fresh verdure of the juniper are in harmony with 

 the emerald green of the fjord-side pastures — indeed, it is 

 springtime, and Nature rejoices that she may discard her 

 snowy weeds. 



The ebbing tide borders the fjord-edge with a golden 

 girdle of foliage of the sea, whose fragrance refreshes the 

 mind, as the morning breeze brings health and strength. 



Restored by the night's repose, I threw open my 

 casement to welcome the delights of a perfect summer 

 morn — meadows of brilliant herbage serve as foreground 

 to the view, in the middle distance the stately river winds 

 her course, and the yet snow-capped mountains form a 

 fitting background to one of Nature's simple and perfect 

 pictures. 



The stern outline, in this rarefied atmosphere, stood 

 out sharp and clean against the clear blue sky, and I 

 hastened to gain the open, unfettered by roof or wall. 



