£4 



OLAFSEN AND POVELSEnV 



to place their wives on a pillion behind them, with their 

 face to the left ; that is to say, their right arm is round the back 

 of the horseman. In other parts of the island, the women often 

 ride singly, on a side-saddle, as may be seen in Denmark and 

 elsewhere: but they are decorated very differently, being fre- 

 quently covered with blue or green cloth, and embellished with 

 brass plates on which are inlaid a variety of figures, such 

 as lions, bears, and birds. From each side of the saddle hangs 

 a square piece of cloth : the bridle, breast-girth, and the 

 crupper, are richly ornamented with nails in the form of buttons, 

 It is, however, only people in easy circumstances, who have 

 such trappings ; for such a saddle, as we have now described, 

 of the first quality made in the country, costs 20 rix-doHars. 

 They are more rarely used in Kiosar, than in other parts of the 

 island. 



When they go to a distance, for instance to the town, or to 

 the places where there are commercial establishments, to purchase 

 fish, or withersoever their business may call them, the Icelanders 

 carry with them one or two pack-horses ; the saddles of which 

 rest upon a green sward turf, and are fastened with three girths, 

 which are in general made of horse-hair. On each side of the 

 horse, these pack-saddles have three hooks in a line, on which 

 the loads are fixed. 



AMUSEMENTS OF THE ICELANDERS. 



From the Northern historians we learn, that the ancient Ice- 

 landers had several recreative games, and amusements, and which 

 were enjoyed as much by the players as by the spectators. 

 This, however, is not the case with the present inhabitants of 

 the district of Kiosar, who have no taste for any sports ; for 

 which they are truly to be pitied, especially in winter, when 

 they have nothing to relieve them from the anxiety and trouble 

 Inseparable from domestic cares. 



Of the ancient Icelandic games, none was more fashionable 

 than the exercise of wrestling. In retaining the practice, the 

 terms have also been preserved, which the champions gave to 

 every motion they made ; and each of which has its peculiar 

 name. This exercise blends the useful with the agreeable; for 

 there is nothing which gives more agility and elasticity to the 

 muscles. 



The smallest and apparently weakest men often everthrow is 

 an instant those who are the largest and most robust; but this 

 only arises from great practice and activity. In former times 

 the most courageous men, and those of the first families in the 

 country, took delight in this exercise; while at present the -young 

 people only follow it as an amusement, particularly in parts 



