first signal or sail. They pay a
small tax to the king and to the regulating officer, and enjoy the fruit
of their indefatigable industry.

One of the islands, called Virgin Land, is a flat, with some depth of
earth, extending for half a Norwegian mile, with three farms on it,
tolerably well cultivated.

On some of the bare rocks I saw straggling houses; they rose above the
denomination of huts inhabited by fishermen. My companions assured me
that they were very comfortable dwellings, and that they have not only
the necessaries, but even what might be reckoned the superfluities of
life. It was too late for me to go on shore, if you will allow me to
give that name to shivering rocks, to ascertain the fact.

But rain coming on, and the night growing dark, the pilot declared that
it would be dangerous for us to attempt to go to the place of our
destination--East Rusoer--a Norwegian mile and a half further; and we
determined to stop for the night at a little haven, some half dozen
houses scattered under the curve of a rock. Though it became darker and
darker, our pilot avoided the blind rocks with great dexterity.

It was about ten o'clock when we arrived, and the old hostess quickly
prepared me a comfortable bed--a little too soft or so, but I was weary;
and opening the window to admit the sweetest of breezes to fan me to
sleep, I sunk into the most luxurious rest: it was more than refreshing.
The hospitable sprites of the grots surely hovered round my pillow; and,
if I awoke, it was to listen to the melodious whispering of the wind
amongst them, or to feel the mild breath of morn. Light slumbers
produced dreams, where Paradise was before me. My little cherub was
again hiding her face in my bosom. I heard her sweet cooing beat on my
heart from the cliffs, and saw her tiny footsteps on the sands. New-born
hopes seemed, like the rainbow, to appear in the clouds of sorrow, faint,
yet sufficient to amuse away despair.

Some refreshing but heavy showers have detained us; and here I am writing
quite alone--something more than gay, for which I want a name.

I could almost fancy myself in Nootka Sound, or on some of the islands on
the north-west coast of America. We entered by a narrow pass through the
rocks, which from this abode appear more romantic than you can well
imagine; and seal-skins hanging at the door to dry add to the illusion.

It is indeed a corner of the world, but you would be surprised to see the
c