translated with all possible fidelity (in part
through the kindness of Mr. Jorgensen), and
have given it, as nearly as possible, accord-
ing to the literal sense and meaning of the
author.
Although no volcanic eruption in Iceland
was ever attended with more lament-
The extent of the able consequences than that
which took place in the year
1783, yet its immediate effects were not
greater or more destructive than many of the
former ones. For example, let us only con.
aider what happened in the year 1300, and
let us reflect on the long chain of events of
which our annals give an account, during
the whole of the 14th century, especially in
the years 1341, 1350, 1357, I36o, and
13^0 *, and on the damage sustained in
. * See different annals in Legati Magn<eani Bill, in
the Royal Observatory, especially in No. 246, among
the folios, and No. 407, 411, 418, 421, 425, 427, and
428, among the quartos. See also Jnnales Islandorum
reg. among Langebock's Scripteres rerum Danic, medii
m i. Tom. nr, p. 1 3 4 aa(j 13 5
one morning, when Hecla burned in Bishop
Gottsvin’s time, about 1436 *. If these be
compared with the mischief done in 1783,
the difference will appear quite evident: yet
it is seriously to be lamented that the damage
should reach one of the finest and
most beautiful parts of the country, formerly
supporting a number of people, who are now
reduced to a state of misery and ruin. However,
praise be to God, the injury is not
nearly so extensive as many erroneous reports
have led people to believe.
* H.
T h e state of th e A delightful spring succeeded
weather in th e 0 . .
sp rin g .o f 178,3, an unusually mild winter m
Iceland, in the year, 178S. Clear, calm, and
warm weather, with sunshine, were only
interrupted by soft breezes from the south,
mingled with abundant showers of rain.
The pastures were at an early period seen
-dressed in a green and luxuriant vegetation,
and, in the month of May, adorned with
many herbs and flowers in their freshest
* See No. 213 folio, and 407 quarto, in Leg. Magn.
B ib l