LYCKSELE LAPLAND. 145 



neckj which resembled the skin of a 

 frog, were suspended a pair of large loose 

 breasts of the same brown complexion, but 

 encompassed, by way of ornament, with 

 brass rings. Round her waist she wore a 

 girdle, and on her feet a pair of half boots. 



Her first aspect really struck me with 

 dread ; but though a fury in appearance, 

 she addressed me, with mingled pity and 

 reserve, in the following terms : 



" O thou poor man ! what hard destiny 

 can have brought thee hither, to a place 

 never visited by any one before? This is 

 the first time I ever beheld a stranger. 

 Thou miserable creature ! how didst thou 

 come, and whither wilt thou go? Dost 

 thou not perceive what houses and habita- 

 tions we have, and with how much diffi- 

 culty we go to church ?'' 



I entreated her to point out some way 

 by which I might continue my journey in 

 any direction, so as not to be forced to re- 

 turn the way I came. 



" Nay, man," said she, " thou hast only 



L 



