the rein-deek. 
145 
awkward situation. I relied greatly on mine, from 
its size, and fortunately was not disappointed, as it 
conveyed me safely across, both deer and sledge 
clearing the entire space. 
At night the party, twenty-three in number, halt- 
ed in a birch thicket at the base of the Finmark or 
Lapland Alps. The weather changes to a storm of 
wind and snow, but after much consultation, it is 
determined to proceed and attempt the crossing of 
the Solivara Mountains. The ascent was very te- 
dious from the steepness and the newly fallen snow, 
and the weather came on so thick, that the guide 
thought it advisable not to attempt crossing the sum- 
niit. In the course of an hour, however, the fog 
cleared away, and it was determined again to pro- 
ceed, after a short halt, to recruit the strength of the 
iaded deer. 
“ Our halt scarcely exceeded a quarter ot an 
hour ; but, before the expiration of this, our twilight 
had failed us, and the arch of heaven was studded 
with twinkling lights. We had no time to lose ; for 
we had yet many a weary stretch of mountain, be- 
fore we should arrive at any place that would afford 
us wood for our night’s bivouac. The evening star, 
which shone brightly, cheered our lonely way, as we 
glided along the frozen top of the Solivara, the ng - 
est of the Finmark Alps. The snow on its bleak 
surface was hard as adamant, and our deer, re 
by the rest they had made, flew swiftly along. e 
had at this time accomplished about half the distance 
von. III. 
