It is beautifully engraved by the author of “Scrambles Amongst the Alps,” indeed, this and the engravings illustrating this work, which have all been taken from original sketches of the author, or photographs obtained specially for the work, are by Mr. Edward Whymper,[5] to whom the author is much indebted for his prompt attention, when a very short space of time could only be allowed for their completion.
An additional interest will also be felt by the reader in knowing that the work is true, even to the names of the gipsies.
So must close our Introduction; and, as we look back to our tented wanderings, they seem as a bright summer’s day, whose sun, setting on the horizon of our fate, reflects itself, though with imperfect gleams, within this book, whilst the day is gone for ever!
Passing, I saw her as she stood beside A lonely stream between two barren wolds; Her loose vest hung in rudely-gathered folds On her swart bosom, which in maiden pride Pillowed a string of pearls; among her hair Twined the light blue bell and the stonecrop gay; And not far thence the small encampment lay, Curling its wreathèd smoke into the air. She seemed a child of some sun-favoured clime; So still, so habited to warmth and rest; And in my wayward musings on past time, When my thought fills with treasured memories, That image nearest borders on the blest Creations of pure art that never dies.
MAP Showing the Route and Camping grounds of the ENGLISH GIPSIES through NORWAY.
Henry S. King & Co, 65 Cornhill, London.]
TENT LIFE WITH ENGLISH GIPSIES IN NORWAY.
“The best books are records of the writer’s own experiences of what he himself has seen or known, or--best of all--has done. The writing then becomes naturally concrete, perspicuous, a mirror of the fact; and whether it be a book for the world and for ages, or for nations and generations, there is this common to them all, that they are genuine records of genuine things, and throw light on the subject.”--N. P. WILLIS.
NORWAY--OUR GIPSY TENT--TENT FITTINGS--COOKING APPARATUS--COMMISSARIAT--GIPSIES’ TENT--BAGAGE DE LUXE--WEIGHT OF BAGGAGE--TRANSIT--DONKEYS--OUR PARTY--ESMERALDA.
The picturesque and lovely scenes of Norway offered many inducements for our campaign. The peculiar advantages of tent life would enable us to wander in its wildest Dals. Its beautiful fjelds, fjords, and fosses could be seen at our ease. We might bivouac in the silent forest; we could sleep in its lonely glens, and wander in its deepest recesses, independent of the chance accommodation of the “gjœstgiver-gaard,” or the more doubtful comfort of the mountain “sœter.” The result of a former visit had not been without its practical utility, and the tent carried the day.