222 VOICES FROM THE WOODLANDS. 



fact, that such among our tribes as grow on mountains are 

 rarely found elsewhere, except in marshes ; the clouds that 

 rest on mountain tops keeping the air in a moist state, as 

 fogs in meadows and marshy places. 



The Laplander owes to this fragrant tree fuel for the 

 fire, which he is obliged, even in summer, to keep within 

 his hut, in order to defend him from the mosquitoes ; and 

 the twigs, covered with reindeer skins, form his bed. 



And thus, wherever growing, whether beside gleaming 

 waterfalls, on rocks, by rivers, or in those stern inhospitable 

 regions where there is darkness during half the year, the 

 birch is equally pre-eminent for beauty and utility. 



