SALMON-FISHING. 63 



are strengthened by the fact, or tradition, that at a 

 certain time during the winter the moon can be seen 

 to shine through an orifice situated half-way up its 

 face, undiscernible save when lighted up in this 

 manner. This is a pretty belief, and I am sorry that 

 my telescope, with which I have narrowly scanned 

 every cranny, does not confirm it. The fact is 

 possible all the same ; but the convulsion of nature 

 which they anticipate does not follow as a matter of 

 course, and in my opinion the " trolls " will sit un- 

 disturbed on their uncomfortable seats till some 

 general crash occurs, which will convolve other 

 valleys than this, and higher peaks than theirs. 



However 



Mountains have fallen, 

 Leaving a gap in the clouds, 



and it is possible that this accident may occur. I 

 only hope that I may be non-resident at my Norway 

 home when it does Here and there in nooks and 

 crannies rest large patches of drift-snow which, when 

 loosened and released by the summer heat, fall down 



