IX SEARCH OF THE EIEA. 145 



of over 2000 feet, and is devoid of vegetation except 

 certain mosses and lichens, trees being represented 

 by a stunted birch, which attains a height of 7 or 8 

 feet in the sheltered valleys near the sea, but on 

 the hillsides grows horizontally along the ground, 

 being only thus able to support life in face of the 

 furious winter blasts. This scanty vegetation suffices, 

 however, to nourish herds of semi-wild reindeer, the 

 property of the mountain Lapps, which roam at plea- 

 sure over the interior, and are lassoed by their owners 

 as they are required for food, clothing, or draught 

 purposes. The interior of the island is cut up into 

 numerous valleys and covered for the most part witli 

 snow, so that progress is rather slow. I succeeded, 

 after four hours' trudging, in reaching the top of 

 a hill overlooking the sea-coast, and from it walked 

 along the central ridge of the island, from which the 

 surrounding islands and fiords could be surveyed to 

 advantage. The highest point I found to be 2180 

 feet, situated almost in the centre of the island 

 and commanding an extensive view of its desolate 

 snow-fields and rock-strewn valleys, down which the 

 heat of the afternoon sun was now causing the snow- 

 waters to dash towards the sea. 



A lowering hill just to the south of Hamerfest is a 

 standing grievance to the inhabitants, for it robs 

 them of much of their dearly-prized sunshine, and 

 has earned for itself the title of Tyd Fjeld (Thief 

 Mountain). As the sun is altogether below their 



VOL. VI. K 



