Norwegian Ponies. 207 



same. After some refreshment we soon reached the 

 foot of the mountain. 



" I may mention one thing regarding the Norwegian 

 ponies and their drivers. The Norwegians seem to 

 treat their horses kindly seldom using the whip and 

 keep them in good condition. The pony itself is 

 docile and willing. They are almost in every case 

 allowed to walk up-hill, but as soon as they reach the 

 top they go off of their own accord with great speed 

 down-hill. Another habit they have been taught, that 

 is, when going into any of the stations * they do so 

 almost at the gallop. Although docile, they are not 

 willing to do what they seem to think is not their 

 duty. When we were going up the mountain, a party 

 at the same time going on foot had a little girl about 

 eight years of age seemingly not very fit for the steep 

 road. I asked if they would allow the little miss to 

 be put up behind me on the pony. The offer was 

 gladly accepted. No sooner was she seated behind 

 me than the pony began to throw up his heels in the 

 most frightful way. If it was a great joy to the child 

 to get up, it was a great relief both to her and to us 

 all when we got her safely down. 



"After a short halt at the hotel at the foot of the 

 mountain for dinner, we then got into our carioles. 

 Mrs. Robertson had a driver. I drove my own. They 

 took the lead and I followed. There was rather an 

 awkwardness felt here for a stranger driving, as there 

 is no rule of the road such as we have all over Britain. 

 There, on meeting, it is left to each to take whatever 

 side they choose, and each has to be guided much by 



* Hotels or post-houses. 



