MOUNTAINS AND FJELDS. 129 



Of the 316,580 square kilometres which constitute the 

 total area of Norway, 37,000 kilometres have an altitude 

 of more than 1000 metres, 3,333 feet; and about 91,000 

 from 800 to 1000 metres, 1,600 to 3,200 feet, above the 

 sea. The mean altitude of the whole territory may be 

 estimated at 490 metres, 1,650 feet, above the level of the 

 sea. 



From this it may be gathered that while their are 

 mountains isolated mountains, and even chains of 

 mountains rising above the level of high-lying lands, 

 these plateaux impart to the superficial contour of Nor- 

 way its characteristic outline ; and in accordance with 

 this we hear more a great deal more of fields than of 

 hills. 



There are not awanting mountain crests of pointed 

 rocks, and rounded nut-like mountains, and mountains 

 and islands which may be described as grotesque in their 

 shape. One island, Torghatten, is perforated by a natural 

 tunnel, which from the sea appears like a bright loop-hole 

 in a dome of rock ; an island near the Arctic Circle has 

 been named the Hestman or Horseman, from its resem- 

 blance to a mounted knight ; and other forms are as well 

 defined, though more difficult of description by reference 

 to well-known objects. But the general character of the 

 mountain region is an extensive level plateau of high 

 altitude cut up by ravines, the sides of which are almost 

 perpendicular. 



Of the fjeld, as it is called, I find it difficult to convey a 

 definite and accurate conception. As a preparation I 

 may speak of such at the outset as upland moors ; but 

 this would not prove exactly descriptive of the Dovrefjeld, 

 the Hardangerfjeld, and others of which the traveller 

 hears so soon as he enters the country, and which he is 

 likely to visit if he has come to see its wonders and enjoy 

 its scenery ; and yet I feel disposed to retain it as 

 accordant with the^idea Jewish to convey as a preparation 

 for a more precise description. 



K 



