mountain-slope; then hundreds of insects hum in the grass as in a
tropical land; then cows, horses, and sheep are driven up the hills and
the mountain-sides, while the Fin from the highlands comes down into the
valley with his reindeer and waters them in the river; then the
cloudberry moors lie reddening for many a mile inland; then there is
quiet, sunny peace in every cottage, where the fisherman is now sitting
at home with his family, putting his tackle in order for the winter
fishing; for in Nordland the summer is more beautiful than in any other
place, and there is an idyllic gladness and peace over Nature, which is
to be found nowhere else.

The Nordlander, too, has a touch of Nature's caressing softness in his
character; when he can manage it, he is fond of living and dressing
well, and lodging comfortably; with regard to delicacies, he is a
thorough epicure. Cod's tongue, young ptarmigan, reindeer-marrow, salted
haddock, trout, salmon and all kinds of the best salt-water fish,
appropriately served with liver and roe, nourishing reindeer-meat and a
variety of game are, like the fresh-flavoured cloudberries, only
every-day dishes to him. And the Fin as well as the Nordland plebeian is
also childishly fond of all sweet things, and his "syrup and porridge"
are widely known.

Brought up in the midst of a nature so rich in contrasts and
possibilities, and amidst scenes of the utmost variety, from the wildest
grandeur to the tenderest beauty, charm and fascination, the Nordlander
is, as a rule, clever and bright, often indeed brilliant and
imaginative. Impressionable as he is, he yields easily to the impulse of
the moment. If there is sunshine in your face, there is sure to be
sunshine in his. But you must not be mistaken in him, and take his
good-nature for perfect simplicity--as is often done here in the south.