A different mode of living would undoubtedly render them
more susceptible to the cold of these inclement regions.
Many
interesting anecdotes are related of the fondness of these
hyperborean races for a kind of food from which we would turn in
disgust. Before gas was introduced into Edinburgh, and the city was
lighted by oil-lamps, several Russian noblemen visited that
metropolis; and it is said that their longing for the luxury of
train-oil became one evening so intense, that, unable to procure the
delicacy in any other way, they emptied the oil-lamps. Parry
relates that when he was wintering in the Arctic regions, one of the
seamen, who had been smitten with the charms of an Esquimaux lady,
wished to make her a present, and knowing the taste peculiar to
those regions, he gave her with all due honours a pound of candles,
six to the pound! The present was so acceptable to the lady, that
she eagerly devoured the lot in the presence of her wondering
admirer. - ED.
{33} An American travelling in Iceland in 1852 thus describes, in a
letter to the Boston Post, the mode of travelling:- "All travel is
on horseback. Immense numbers of horses are raised in the country,
and they are exceedingly cheap. As for travelling on foot, even
short journeys, no one ever thinks of it. The roads are so bad for
walking, and generally so good for riding that shoe-leather, to say
nothing of fatigue, would cost nearly as much as horse-flesh. Their
horses are small, compact, hardy little animals, a size larger than
Shetland ponies, but rarely exceeding from 12 or 13.5 hands high. A
stranger in travelling must always have a 'guide,' and if he does go
equipped for a good journey and intends to make good speed, he wants
as many as six horses; one for himself, one for the guide, one for
the luggage, and three relay horses. Then when one set of horses
are tired the saddles are exchanged to the others. The relay horses
are tied together and are either led or driven before the others. A
tent is often carried, unless a traveller chooses to chance it for
his lodgings. Such an article as an hotel is not kept in Iceland
out of the capital. You must also carry your provisions with you,
as you will be able to get but little on your route. Plenty of milk
can be had, and some fresh-water fish. The luggage is carried in
trunks that are hung on each side of the horse, on a rude frame that
serves as a pack-saddle. Under this, broad pieces of turf are
placed to prevent galling the horse's back."
{34} The down of the eider-duck forms a most important and valuable
article of Icelandic commerce. It is said that the weight of down
procurable from each nest is about half a pound, which is reduced
one-half by cleansing.
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