36 



OLAFSEN AND POVELSEls's 



ebbing of the tide on sand-banks ; but though this fish is eatable, 

 they only use it as a bait. We attempted to convey a consi- 

 derable number of these fish to Vedoe, to ascertain if they 

 could be transplanted to other districts, but our efforts did not 

 succeed. We observed that it did not open its shell, un- 

 less attacked by different insects, that ate holes in its substance. 

 Another remarkable circumstance was, that on hanging one of 

 these shell-fish in an apartment that contained a fire, and which was 

 at the same time exposed to the rays of the sun, we saw with 

 surprise, that the fish continued alive for a fortnight, and only 

 died when it had lost all its moisture, by which it fell into a 

 state of putrefaction. In the western part of Iceland, the inha- 

 bitants eat this fish, which though rather tough, has a tolerably 

 good taste. 



Another shell-fish, which is very palatable and wholesome, 

 though not used by the inhabitants, is the Concha testa bi- 

 vaki oblonga, altera extremitate pramorsa, apertura paten- 

 tissima, proboscide bretiori conacea : it abounds in the 

 Havalfiord, where the shore is covered with its shells. 



INSECTS. 



There are very few insects on land; but the sea swarms 

 with them. The Krabben is very common in this district, and 

 is the same as is eaten in Denmark under a similar name: it 

 is the common crab of Europe. The Icelanders are of opi] 

 nion that it is good for nothing; but they are mistaken, for 

 our travellers ate it several times, and found it remarkably 

 good. 



The Lumbricus marinus, or sea-worm, is very common on the 

 claey shores of Iceland, and is the same as is used in Norway and 

 at Deal for bait. The Hasmatopus hunts after this insect, and 

 easily pulls it out with its long beak, though the worm frequently 

 retires on the approach of the enemy to a considerable 

 depth. 



OF THE FORESTS. 



Several Icelandic historians assert, that the district of Kiosar 

 was so covered with wood at the time it began to be peopled, 

 that the new colonists were obliged to clear a considerable space 

 to build on. There is no doubt, that the forests here were at 

 one time vast and numerous. It is reported, that in the can- 

 ton of Born, a valley on this side of the mountains, and which 

 was formerly an extensive wood, several very large trees were cut 

 for ship-building, and that the first vessel made from them, took 

 in a cargo of them for Norway, at the very dock at which it 

 was built. The trees alluded to were said to be birch; but 

 there is no doubt that oaks were likewise amongst them. We 



