ITS HISTORY AND INHABITANTS. 181 



Mr. Martin Rouse. — Were they Danes and Anglo-Saxons that 

 were not allowed to land ? 



Dr. Stefansson. — No, they h.ad already settled in the island 

 But no doubt they brought many companions from the British 

 Isles and no doubt the Irish, and Gaelic people came with them 

 to Iceland. 



A Member. — Is their language Nomvegian ? 



Dr. Stefansson. — Yes. The Irish seem to have been in 

 Iceland before the Northmen came. I am afraid it is not by 

 our own free will that we act as a safety-valve to others ! 

 [Laughter.] 



Mr. Martin Rouse. — I have read that there is evidence that the 

 Culdee preachers travelled as far as Iceland to preach the Gospel 

 to the inhabitants. 



Dr. Stefansson. — That is so. 



The Chairman. — I am sure you will let me express in all your 

 names our thanks to Dr. Stefansson for kindly giving us this 

 lecture and information to-day. [Applause.] 



The Meeting then adjourned. 



