146 LYCKSELE LAPLAND. 



to go the same way back again ; for the 

 river overflows so much, it is not possible 

 for thee to proceed further in this direction. 

 From us thou hast no assistance to expect 

 in the prosecution of thy journey, as my 

 husband, who might have helped thee, is 

 ill. Thou mayst inquire for our next 

 neighbour, who lives about a mile off, and 

 perhaps, if thou shouldst meet with him, 

 he may give thee some assistance, but I 

 really believe it will scarcely be in his 

 power." 



I inquired how far it was to Sorsele. 

 " That we do not know," replied she ; 

 " but in the present state of the roads it is 

 at least seven days journey from hence, as 

 my husband has told me." 



My health and strength being by this 

 time materially impaired by wading through 

 such an extent of marshes, laden with my 

 apparel and luggage^, for the Laplander 

 had enough to do to carry the boat ; by 

 walking for whole nights together; by not 

 liaving for a long time tasted any boiled 



