INHABITANTS— PEEHISTORIC REMAINS. 



57 



Farther north are the islets and rocks of Ertholmene, generally known by the 

 name of Christianso, the largest of the group. They belong to Denmark as a 

 dependency of Bornholm, and form a harbour of refuge Avith a good lighthouse. 



— The Skaw. 



1 : 1,000,000. 



Climate. 



The climate of the peninsula and islands is comparatively temperate, thouo-h 

 that of the islands is milder than in the interior of Jylland, because, being of 

 smaller extent, they are more exposed to 

 the influence of the sea. The winters are 

 very variable, the channels being some- 

 times quite free, sometimes ice-bound for 

 two or three months at a time. On these 

 occasions the Great Belt is crossed by 

 boats carrying passengers and goods, by 

 means of a special contrivance. This so- 

 called "ice traffic" {isf)r()is])0)i), which 

 some 3'^ears is unnecessary, but which in 

 1871 lasted from January 1st to March 1st, 

 has been carefully recorded since the j'ear 

 1794. In 1658 Charles X. of Sweden led 

 his army, artillery, and heavy baggage 

 over the ice from Fyen to Langeland, 

 and thence to Laaland, thereby bringing 

 the Xing of Denmark to terms. 



The prevailing wind is from the west, 

 and is charged with the moisture of the 

 Atlantic waters. Hence the western sea- 

 board is most exposed to the action of 

 the waves. The very trees shoot their 

 branches landwards, while their tops 

 seem cut as if with a sharp knife. Even 

 on the east side of Jylland they are 

 aflected by the prevailing atmospheric 

 current, though the people here find 

 shelter enough to build their villages and till the land in safety along the coast.* 



Inhabitants. — Prehistoric Eemains. 



The flora and fauna of Jylland and the Danish isles differ little from those of 

 the adjacent lands of Scania and Schleswig, the same climate having everywhere 

 developed the same animal and vegetable forms. But not so with the human 

 species, the Danes forming a people apart, with their distinct traditions, character, 

 and national sentiment. Although of Teutonic stock, they regard themselves as 



* Mean temperature at Copenhagen :— Spring, 43° F. ; summer, G3° ; autumn, 4.9°; winter, 31°; 

 year, 46°. 



148 



Over 28 

 Fathoms. 



10 Miles. 



