THE LAPLAND ALPS. 



65 



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The annexed figure re- 

 presents a Laplander's staff. 

 It is tipped with a blade of 

 iron, as thick as the thumb. 

 With this weapon he attacks 

 the bear and wolf in the 

 time of deep snow. On the 

 lower part of the shaft is 

 a sort of hoop, six inches in 

 diameter, made of root of fir, 

 and fastened with thongs of 

 reindeer skin, one of which 

 passes through a hole in the 

 staff. At the bottom it is 

 mounted with iron. The 

 Hse of this hoop is to pre- 

 vent the staff from sinking 

 into the snow, when used 

 as a walking-stick. The 

 shaft itself, made of birch 

 wood, is about four feet 

 long, and an inch and half 

 thick. 



