SKETCHES FROM S^TERSDAL. 235 



will be like that of the aborigines in America and 

 Australia : their race will in time disappear from the 

 country, and one will have to take a journey to Siberia 

 in order to get a bear-skin. 



Once, but it is longer ago than in the memory of 

 man, there were beavers to be found in the valley a 

 fact which the names of certain farms clearly indicate ; 

 but these too have long since disappeared ; the law was 

 too late in protecting them against destruction. It is 

 said, however, that even yet in one remote mountain- 

 lake remains of their clever building operations are yet 

 to be seen. But the otter at least does not bear its 

 name in vain, for otters are found here in plenty, and 

 there are few to look after them and hunt them. 



English travellers who are desirous of studying the 

 habits of a strange people, and who do not mind putting 

 up with such inconveniences as dirt, and poor accommo- 

 dation, will probably find a visit to Saetersdal both in- 

 teresting and remunerative. 



