the horizontal stratification, that exactly resembled
a flight of steps, each stratum projecting
beyond the one above it, and gradually
decreasing in width to the pointed
extremity. Upon the upper surface of all
the lower strata lay a covering of snow,
whilst their naked perpendicular sides presented
so many black intervening lines :
the peak itself was entirely enveloped in
snow. So strong an impression has this
scene left on my mind, that I venture to
lay before my readers the subjoined sketch,
made from recollection, trusting it will enable
them, better than can be done by a
description, to form a correct idea of a place,
where the excessive severity of the atmosphere
prevented my-making a drawing on
the spot.
The ground upon which we now rode was
so firm and unbroken that, having mounted
fresh horses, we galloped for a mile or more
on solid rock, till the descent became so
steep as to require more caution in our proceedings.
On descending somewhat lower,
we emerged from the clouds into a clear
atmosphere, and had a most extensive prospect
of rivers, morasses, mountains, and lofty
jokuls; among the latter of which those of
Geitland made a most conspicuous figure at
no great - distance from us, shooting their
pointed summits, capped with eternal snow,
through the thick clouds that partly enveloped
their sides. The mountain, also,
called Boula, from its great height and
conical figure, formed a prominent feature
in the scene: it is likewise deserving of
notice on account of the vulgar idea, that
there is on its summit (which, by the bye,
has proved inaccessible to all who have attempted
to reach it) an entrance to a rich
and beautiful country; a country constantly
green, and abounding in trees, inhabited by
a dwarfish race of men, whose sole employment
is the care of their fine flocks of