20 THE LAPLAND ALPS. 



one flower-stalk on each side, bearing a 

 single flower, between two small opposite 

 purple leaves. A little higher up, two other 

 simple flower-stalks come forth in the same 

 manner, with two coloured leaves at their 

 base, the stem being thus extended straight 

 upwards. Calyx ovate, erect, coloured, 

 with five teeth. Petals five, their disk 

 cloven half way down ; the crown with two 

 teeth. Stamens 10. Pistils 5. 



After passing the alps, we grew thirsty ; 

 but the water we met with proved less plea- 

 sant than usual, having an earthy taste, 

 although it flowed from plentiful stores of 

 ice and snow. My Laplander took his 

 knife and cut out a lump of ice, which he 

 sucked by way of refreshment. I found 

 this mode of drinking agreeable enough, 

 the ice being very palatable, and we both 

 partook of it largely. He told me it was 

 considered very wholesome for the chest. 

 Indeed I learned, both from the Laplan- 

 ders and my own experience, that pure wai- 

 ter, however cold, is never hurtful, provided 

 it be taken in moderation. 



