TRAVELS IHS ICELAND. 



81 



Tlie fish most numerous here is the cod, -which they prepare in a 

 peculiar manner : they take out the spinal bone as far a3 the third 

 vertebra above the navel, an operation which they are obliged 

 to perform by law,, and which causes the fish to dry speedily. 

 They also cleanse it from all the blood it may contain, which 

 causes it to take a white colour; and some experienced fishers are 

 so particular in this point, that they gut the fish the instant they 

 have taken it from the boat. They afterwards pay much atten- 

 tion to preparing the bladder, which consists of a coriacious skin 

 similar to leather : it is about a line in thickness, and perfectly 

 white. In thin cod, which may have remained a long time on a 

 sandy bottom, this bladder is found full cf a viscous and yellowish 

 matter ^ which forms an agreeable, wholesome, and nourishing 

 dish, and is used instead of isinglass, which is here unknown. The 

 people engaged as domestics, and who are sent on fishing excur- 

 sions, are obliged, by virtue of an ancient law, to prepare the cod, 

 extract its oil, and give a proper account of the whole to their 

 employer. Such as are dried in the open air upon cords have a 

 delicious taste ; though many prefer those that are dried on the 

 rocks by the north winds,, which render the flesh wrinkledandhard. 



AMUSEMENTS. 



The amusements of the people in this part of Iceland consist 

 of wrestling and dancing, the latter of which is neatly performed, 

 and much resembles the Polish dance, From ten to twelve men 

 form a ring, and two others stand at opposite sides, one of whom 

 attempts to break the chain by passing while in the dance, under 

 the arms of the others. On reaching the opposite end, he joins 

 hands, and the other then makes the same attempt. This dance, 

 when well executed, has a pretty effect. In winter evenings the 

 peasantry amuse themselves with reading or singing historical 

 anecdotes ; and those who understand the ancient writings, and 

 have a good voice, are much esteemed and make a living of their 

 •talent. 



OUADETJPEDS. 



The animals of this district being in no respect different from 

 those already mentioned, require no detail. With respect to tine 

 foxes, it is said, that they steal the birds' eggs from nests that are 

 made on the steepest rocks. They go in companies from six to 

 ten, and on reaching the top of the rock they wrestle togeiher, to 

 ascertain which is the strongest, and him they choose to support the 

 others, who follow by successively holding the tail of the one which 

 precedes, and thus descend amongst the rocky precipices, where 

 the crows deposit their eggs. As soon as the first has got an egg, he 

 •gives a cry to inform the others ; on which those that follow him , 



OLAFSEN-] L 



