198 
GENERAL REMARKS 
appearance, renewed in fplendour, and to common apprehenfion 
more brilliant. This happens about the firft of April, by which 
time the days are fo far lengthened, that the fhades of an univerfal 
night begin to difappear: and as the fun ceafes to illuminate the 
land for feven weeks in the winter, fo in the fummer folftice he 
makes the Laplander amends by appearing above the horizon, and 
fhining night and day during the fame fpace of time ; wherein it 
is to be obferved, that the night’s fun appears paler and lefs bright 
than that of the day. 
But to return to our rein-deer—When brought back to the tents 
from feeding, thefe animals repofe themfelves, and form a circle 
round the tents: while they are in fearch of the mofs which is 
their food, they fpread widely over the country; let the weather 
be fair or foul, they are driven out to feed at the regular and ac- 
cuftomed time; and as the herdfmen, in order to fhelter them¬ 
felves from a fnow-ftorm, fometimes retire behind a hill of fnow, 
where they may be overtaken by deep, it often happens that a 
wolf carries off one of the herd which has ftraggled to a diftance 
from the reft. The office of tending the herds is in general per¬ 
formed by the children and fervants ; but when the rein-deer are 
the property of a family juft eftabliffied, without children or fer¬ 
vants, in that cafe the wife takes the charge upon herfelf; and if 
fhe chance to have a young child, which fhe fuckles, die takes the 
child, in the cradle before defcribed, with her, and follows the 
herd, however inclement the weather may be. In driving the rein¬ 
deer, the dogs which the Laplanders keep, and train for this pur- 
pofe. 
I 
