were very particular in their inquiries about the reasons that induced us to do so much good to Iceland, while others satisfied themselves with respect to the size of the present edition, and the source from which it had been derived. Calling, by the way, at Audabrecka, I spent about an hour with Sira Jon, and then went on, accompanied by him to the Conferenceraad's, where I met with the same cordial reception as before, and was pressed to stay; but the advanced state of the season imperiously called for my making the best of my way to the east: so that after partaking of some refreshment, and receiving a number of letters of recommendation to the eastern quarter of the island, together with a travelling directory, which the Conferenceraad had the kindness to make out for me, I took leave, and was conducted by one of his sons till within a little way of the factory, at which I arrived about half past ten o'clock.

CHAP. IV.

Journey to Vopnafiord-Public worship and catechising at Háls-Icelandic Dress - Pauperage-Piety-Skialfandafliot - Lava-Salmon River—Husavik-Hot Springs of Reykiahverf Greniadarstad - Lava, near Myvatn Traces of Volcanic Eruptions in the BibleEruptions of Leirhnukr and Krabla-Church of Reykiahlid-Myvatn-Sulphur MountainHot Springs-Ascent of Krabla-Boiling pool in the Crater-Obsidian Mountain-DesertDangerous River-Grimstad-Rural Happiness-Computation of Time-Desert-Hof in Vopnafiord.

HAVING digested a plan with the Secretary, relative to the circulation of the Scriptures in this part of the island, and furnished myself with two fresh horses, I took my departure from Akur-eyri in the afternoon of the 13th of August. Of the kindness shewn me at that place by Captain von Scheel and Mr. Hemmert, as also by Mr. Gudman, the supercargo of a brig lying in the roads, I shall ever retain a grateful remembrance. To Captain von Scheel in particular, I am under the deepest obligations for the

very distinguished attention and accommodation which I experienced during the time we were together.

A little above the factory, I crossed the river of Eyafiord, which, before falling into the bay, divides into a number of streams, and forms several beautiful islands; whence the bay is called Eyafiord, or Island-bay. During my stay in the neighbourhood, I had often surveyed the opposite mountain, called Vadla-heidé, by which the districts of Vadlé and Thingey are divided from each other, and anticipated the extensive prospect I should have on gaining its summit; but the atmosphere was foggy, and I had scarcely got half way up the ascent, when I found myself completely enveloped in mist. Happening, however, to look behind me, I was much interested by a bird's-eye view, which I obtained through a picturesque hole in the mist, and which, though small, displayed several windings of the river, and a church or two, with a number of cottages that crowded into the scene. ving descended about two miles on the other side of the mountain, the mist began to dissipate, and disclosed the beautiful valley of Fnioská, which lay directly before me. The mountains on both sides of this valley differ from those to the west, by their being free from crags, and almost entirely covered with grass. About a hundred years ago, the valley exhibited one of the finest forests in Iceland, but now there is not a single tree to be seen-such has been the ha

Ha

vock made by the inclemency of the seasons, and the improvident conduct of the inhabitants. The remains of this forest are still visible on the east side of the river, which divides the valley, in the numerous stumps of birch trees which present themselves, some of which exceed two feet in diameter.

Proceeding a little up the east side of the valley, I arrived at Háls, where there is a good church, and an excellent glebe. Immediately on approaching it, I easily perceived that the clergyman must be in good circumstances, from the verdure and extent of the tún, * and the number of cows, sheep, and goats, that were grazing around. Though nearly dark, Sira Sigurdr, the clergyman, had not yet left the meadow where he was assisting his people at the hay; but, on being informed of my arrival, he made the best of his way home, and received me at a little dis

* The tûn signifies the ground immediately connected with the farm-houses in Iceland, which, as it is the only part that receives any manure, is always conspicuously distinguished from the rest of the ground by its superior verdure. The term had formerly the same signification with the English town, hence Eskilstuna, Sigtuna, &c. in Sweden; but it is now exclusively used in the above sense. It has the same meaning in the Anglo-Saxon translation of aygos, Luke xiv. 18. Ic bohte anne tun, where Ulphilas has land bayhta. Vul. ❝villam emi.” In the poetic Edda, we read that the Einhe fiar daily contend in "Othins tunom," for which the prosaic Edda has "i gardinn," in the court or open space before the houses. Compare Vafthrud, ver. xli. with the xxxv. Dæmi

sage.

tance from the house, in the kindest and most affectionate manner. Before reaching the door, we were met by his wife, who ran, asking, "Where is my guest?" and gave me a hearty welcome. I had scarcely entered the parlour, when I was served with excellent coffee; and, as there was plenty of room in the house, I was desired not to pitch my tent, but to accept of such accommodation as they could afford. Having read the letter which I delivered to him from the Bishop, to whom he is related, Sira Sigurdr told me, he did not doubt but that his parishes, which are three in number, would take a considerable quantity of Bibles and New Testaments. A few copies of the edition of the New Testament, published in 1807, had been sent him for distribution; but they only went a little way, and tended rather to make the wants of the people more visible than afford them any adequate supply. He assured me they would buy copies with the utmost cheerfulness.

The next day, being the Lord's day, I was happy to find it was his turn to conduct divine worship at this place. There is only one service in the Icelandic churches, which seldom begins in any part of the island before noon, and in some places, not before two o'clock. The reason of the hour being so late is, that the Icelanders have their sheep to collect and milk, the horses on which they are to ride, to seek and drive home, and themselves to dress; which circumstances, taken in connexion with the length of