The
thermometer sometimes sinks as low as 13 degrees below zero, and the sea
is covered with ice for several feet from the shore. The storms and snow-
drifts are of the most terrible character, and at times even the boldest
Icelander dares not cross his threshold. Daylight does not last more
than four or five hours; but the long night is illuminated by the
splendid coruscations of the aurora, filling the firmament with
many-coloured flame. From the middle until the end of June, however,
there is no night. The sun sinks for a short time below the hills, but
twilight blends with the dawn, and before the last rays of evening have
faded from the sky the morning light streams forth with renewed
brilliancy.
* * * * *
Then, as to the people, Madame Pfeiffer speaks of them as of medium
height and strength. Their hair is light, and frequently has a reddish
tint; their eyes are blue. The women are more prepossessing in
appearance than the men; and pleasing faces are not uncommon among the
young girls. They wear long skirts of coarse black woollen stuff, with
spencers, and coloured aprons. They cover their heads with a man's cap
of the same material as their petticoats, ending in a drooping point, to
which hangs a woollen or silken tassel, falling as low as the shoulders.
This simple head-dress is not inelegant.
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