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wedged between two sand hummocks, just above the water's edge. By the time that this was rolled up-hill, the horse with the boxes had turned over for a roll, and was kicking in the air between the strong trunks, unable to recover himself, like a cockchafer on its back. As soon as the boxes and bed were readjusted, and we were fondly hoping that all was ready for the start, it was discovered that the grey with the brandy cases, was in full chase of another horse which had been tranquilly grazing near with a drove sent up the mountains for summer pasture. The guides flew in pursuit, and brought the palpitating beast to a standstill, fortunately without any of the spirits having been lost.

Our course lay next over a hill-shoulder composed of angular blocks and chips, tossed down as if to try the horse's legs, without a patch of moss or a blade of grass to fill the crannies. From the top we had a glorious view of the silver peaks of Súlur, which reminded me somewhat of those of the Finster-Aarhorn. Súlur signifies tent-poles, and the mountain bears a fanciful resemblance to a tent propped on its poles, before the guys and braces are made fast.

Hard by the road is a Grettis-tak mentioned in the Saga. It is a large stone, according to tradition lifted by Grettir, the great Icelandic hero and outlaw. That he "put" a big stone is not impossible, but that the block in question was ever raised by him, is preposterous. From this point, a fine view is obtained of the stately Geitland's Jökull, with its many snow-dales and gable scarps. (Plate IV.) In this glacier mountain is the mysterious Thorir's dale, which has not been explored since the time of Grettir (eleventh century), who discovered it and spent some years in its secluded recesses, shut in on all sides by snow-chains.

Grettir found the soil covered with luxuriant herbage, and warmed by boiling springs emptying themselves into a rill which flowed through the valley. The brave outlaw left it only when wearied out by its solitude; and then, that the entrance to the glen might be found by others, he erected a slab on the side of Skjaldbreith over against the opening of Thoris

London, Published by Smith, Elder, & C° 65 Cornhill, 1863

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S Baring Gould.del

GEITLANDS-JÖKULL

London, Published by Smith, Elder, & C 65 Cornhill, 1863.

PLIV

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