STATISTICS. 
143 
able ring which runs round between the central 
desert and the sea; of the whole area of 38,000 square 
miles, it is calculated that not more than one-eighth 
part is occupied, the remaining 33,000 square miles 
consisting of naked mountains of ice, or valleys deso¬ 
lated by lava or volcanic ashes. Even Reykjavik itself 
cannot boast of more than 700 or 800 inhabitants. 
During winter time the men are chiefly employed 
in tending cattle, picking wool, manufacturing ropes, 
bridles, saddles, and building boats. The fishing season 
commences in spring; in 1853 there were as many 
as 3,500 boats engaged upon the water. As summer 
advances—turf-cutting and hay-making begins; while 
the autumn months are principally devoted to the 
repairing of their houses, manuring the grass lands, 
and killing and curing of sheep for exportation, as well 
as for their own use during the winter. The woman¬ 
kind of a family occupy themselves throughout the 
year in washing, carding, and spinning wool, in knit¬ 
ting gloves and stockings, and in weaving frieze and 
flannel for their own wear. 
The ordinary food of a well-to-do Icelandic family 
consists of dried fish, butter, sour whey kept till 
