they have been somewhat increased since the
above period.
10. Q. What is the proportion of married to unmarried
labourers, being above twenty-one ?
A . The proportion of married to unmarried
labourers cannot be accurately given. Perhaps
every seventh individual may be married.
11. Q. What is the ordinary age of marriage, distinguishing
the sexes, and of puberty ?
A . Men 24 to 3 2 ; women 19 to 30 in
general.
Obs.—The authority given to the clergy, by law,
not to marry a ivoman unless she can read
and write, would appear to be an admirable
one, and will explain why the peasantry of
Iceland are so much better informed than
those of any other nation of Europe. It is
from the mother th a t the child learns the first
rudiments of education, and receives a taste
for reading; and a ivell-educated mother cannot
fail to instil into her young oftspring the
principles of religion and morality. I am informed
by Mr. Broder Knudtzon, th a t the
clergy of Norway have the same authority to
refuse confirmation to those, who cannot read
and write, as well as answer certain questions
regarding religion.
12. Q. What is the ordinary fertility of marriages
?
A . From four to six; sometimes more.
13. Q. What is the gross amount of population?
A . About 53,000.
Obs.—This is but a scanty population for so extensive
an island, ivhose surface is to that of
Ireland as 1 to U , or thereabouts; but that
surface, it is true, from its nature, and the nature
of the climate, is perhaps as unfavourable
as any that exists within the limits of the two
Arctic circles. The extremes of the northern
latitudes are 63° 24', and 66° 33°; and of
western loncritude 13° 28' and 24° 31', and
deducting the areas of the numerous fiords,
hy which it is intersected pretty much in the
same manner as Norway, the square contents
of the land is about 37,388 statute miles; but,
as I was assured, one third part is the very
least that could be assumed as wholly useless
to the inhabitants. The centre of the island,
being nothing but clusters of yokuls or snowy
mountains, is said to be fully equal to that
extent; so that the inhabited part cannot be
reckoned at more than 25,000 square miles;
and the population on each square mile will
not exceed 2tV persons. This fact alone ivill
suffice to show to what inconveniences the inhabitants
must he subject in such a country
where there are no roads, and over which it is
utterly impracticable to attempt to stir in the
Avinter months Avhile the snoAV is on the ground.
» -f.
Vi