6. In summer the climate is often very hot, but it is generally salubrious. One part of Norway lies within the Arctic circle, and here, at midsummer, the sun does not set at all. 7. The people of Norway, called Norwegians, are a brave, hardy race of men. They have always been fond of the sea, and are excellent sailors. In old times their history was one of great romance. Led by their vikings or sea kings they sailed forth, and devastated and conquered countries along the western coast of Europe. 8. These old vikings became very much mixed up with English history, and one of them named Rollo, who conquered Normandy, was the ancestor of William the Conqueror, so that our own royal family is descended from these old sea kings. 9. The wild animals of Norway are bears, wolves, ermines, and foxes. Reindeer, elks, deer, and hares abound in the northern parts. Geese and eider ducks are very numerous in the fiords. From these eider ducks a great quantity of down is obtained, which is exported to other countries to make beds and quilts. The forests supply deal and tar. 10. Large quantities of salmon and lobsters are also caught, which, when packed in ice, are sent by swift steamers to London. 11. Sweden is a land of rivers and lakes, and in many respects is very much like Scotland. The summer is short and very hot. Wheat, oats, potatoes, hemp and flax, are the chief articles of culture. 12. Sweden is noted for its minerals. Its iron mines are among the finest and most productive in the world. In addition to these, gold, silver, copper, lead, and cobalt are found. 13. The houses, and even the churches in some parts, are built entirely of wood, and present a very singular and pretty appearance. 14. In the north of Sweden there dwells a curious race of people called Laplanders. They are very short in stature, and of a dark yellow complexion. They live mostly on fish; and on the milk which they obtain from their large herds of reindeer. The reindeer when dead supplies them with food and clothing. It is their only beast of burden. 15. In summer the Laplanders live in tents, and during the winter in low miserable huts, partly sunk under the ground. These huts are very smoky and dirty, and the people in consequence are sickly and wretched looking. 16. Sweden has produced but few men who have earned a world-wide reputation. The most celebrated is Linnæus the naturalist, who died 1778. What do Norway and Sweden form? Where are they situated? What sort of a coast has Norway? How is it intersected? How far do these fiords run into the land? What kind of scenery is found there? What is very abundant in the water of these fiords? What birds are also numerous? How long does the winter last? Describe the spring. What are the people of Norway called? In olden times how were they employed? Name some country that they conquered. From what chief is our queen descended? Name the wild animals of Norway. What is obtained from the eider duck? What fish are exported to London? How are they brought? What country does Sweden resemble? What is Sweden noted for? What curious people dwell in the north of Sweden? What beast of burden do they keep? Name the great Swedish naturalist. What are the houses and some of the churches built of? Right manfully the sower flings 2. Do your best and leave the rest, Before the gain, there comes the pain, 3. Do your best and leave the rest, With coward weakness branded, 4. Do your best and leave the rest, |