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 
Sor we hear more—a great deal more—of fjelds than of 
ills. 
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 I wish to convey as a preparation 
for a more precise description. 
, K 
