On the Physical Geography of Norway. 161 



ceiving the peculiarities of the configuration of a country is 

 only to be acquired by practice ; and when acquired, it leads 

 to skilful and interesting generalization. A general com- 

 manding an army, a geologist exploring a district, and a fox- 

 hunter pursuing his sport, each in their way acquire a facility 

 analogous to that of the comparative anatomist just referred 

 to, in apprehending the whole from a part, in predicting what 

 will be the probable course of a mountain ridge, or of a river 

 which he has not yet seen, and in finding a practicable pas- 

 sage across an intricate and difficult country, by which even 

 a native might be bewildered. Since then even the mere 

 base or skeleton of a country possesses so much distinctive 

 character, and offers so many subjects of interesting contrast 

 and comparison, it is very obvious that the details of struc- 

 ture, as well as of the various plants which embellish it, 

 animals which live upon, as well as rational beings which 

 people it, with their peculiarities of occupation, habits and 

 dress, furnish an exhaustless field, in which the most restless 

 curiosity may expatiate. But to explain all these sources 

 of interest to the more ignorant class of peasantry is impos- 

 sible, though here and there intelligent men may be found, 

 even in the humblest class, and in all countries, who possess 

 that spark of divine mind which only requires to be roused, 

 and which sometimes unexpectedly responds to the well- 

 meant effort of the traveller to enlighten him as to his occu- 

 pations and interest. 



The only part of the physical geography of Norway of 

 which I intend here to offer the slightest sketch, is what re- 

 gards the distribution of perpetual snow and of glaciers, be- 

 ing the objects of my chief observations recorded in the pre- 

 ceding pages. A comparison in this respect with the Alps 

 offers much interest, and though my contribution may be 

 slight and inconsiderable, it will, I am persuaded, lead the 

 way to systematic inquiry by those more favourably placed 

 for pursuing it. Norway itself -assuredly does not want for 

 persons thoroughly qualified to obtain and make use of the 

 information thus desired. 



The existence of perpetual snow, the elevation at which it 

 begins above the sea level, and the formation of glaciers 



VOL. LVI. NO. CXI. — JANUARY L854. L 



