Perhaps the main cause, however, of our indifference in England to artistic education, is the very imperfectly defined position which the Fine Arts occupy in our minds with respect to other sources of human knowledge or enjoyment. The English people are divided upon the question of the Fine Arts into two main parties. One, and that immeasurably the most erroneous, regards the exercise and productions of the imaginative faculties as beneath serious consideration-as somewhat lower than chess or whist, and about on a par with the tight-rope dancing and Vauxhall theatricals. The other party falls just as far into the other extreme: Art is its religion; nature is its divinity; artists are its prophets, priests, and apostles. The true interests of art are misunderstood and damaged even more by its idolaters than by its contemners, and, indeed, the ranks of the latter are greatly swelled by the dread with which many naturally and justly regard the heresy of the for mer. A single serious effort on the part of Government, or of any large and influential association of private persons, to institute some mode and motive of a true artistic training, would do away with much of this erroneous kind of thinking—that is, provided the training in question were expressly conducted as a means of education, and not as a mere preparation for the artists' life and calling; and we are persuaded that the political and social results of a full development of the system would be more various and valuable than can easily be imagined by those who have not given the matter much consideration. ART. VII.-1. Norway and its Glaciers visited in 1851; followed by Journals of Excursions in the High Alps of Dauphiné, Berne, and Savoy. By JAMES D. FORBES, D.C.L., F.R.S., Sec. R.S., Edin., Corresponding Member of the Institute of France, and of other Academies; and Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University of Edinburgh. 1 vol. Royal 8vo. Edinburgh, the most original and successful expositor of the ice-world of the central mountains of Europe, cannot be otherwise regarded than with lively interest. The volume now before us is a worthy successor of those remarkable "Travels in the Alps of Savoy," in which we have the true theory of glacier motion discussed and determined, and a great mass of valuable information presented to us regarding the natural attributes of that magnificent mountain chain. Although much has been done by several native observers, the physical geography of Norway is by no means so fully known, and we doubt not that the Scandinavians themselves will heartily welcome this great addition to their stores by our adventurous countryman, Professor Forbes. We have perhaps been heretofore rather too much in the yacht-sailing and salmon-fishing line to draw the attention, or deserve the gratitude, of the higher and more accomplished classes of that kingdom, who derive no pecuniary benefit from the liberality of John Bull, with the exception of such as may now enjoy an increase of rent for the sporting uses of their rivers. But, on the whole, we fear, that notwithstanding an occasional Forester, or other pleasant and instructive writer, the majority of our tourists were not of a class greatly to raise us in the intellectual estimation of "Gamlé Norgé." We may now, however, regard with both pride and pleasure this latest addition to our knowledge of a country so deeply interesting, and in many way so little known. Professor Forbes's excellent powers of observation, and acquired experience as an Alpine traveller, enables him to judge accurately of what he sees, and he describes natural objects as they exist upon the earth, and meet the eye of a rational and reflecting being, who deeply feels their serene and simple majesty, and so does not require to affect a wild frenzy, more becoming a fool than a philosopher. It is this truthfulness even in those descriptive portions of the work, where mental impression rather than physical facts are the objects of record, that constitutes their value, and distinguishes them from the great mass of modern inflations. They may be relied upon, simply because the author is a person not merely of philosophical observation, but of sound sense and sagacity, who knows not alone how delicate and transient is the "belle couleur de rose" upon the snowy summits of the resplendent Alps, but also feels how nature even in her lowliest forms is too delightful to stand in need of those ornamental exaggerations which a multitude of readers regard as proof of "fine imagination." We believe it to be a fact, that those who are unfortunateA WORK on "Norway and its Glaciers" by ly gifted with this so called fine imagination, 1853. 2. Scandinavian Adventures, during a residence of upwards of twenty years, representing Sporting Incidents, and subjects of Natural History, and Devices for Entrapping Wild Animals, with some Account of the Northern Fauna. By L. LLOYD, author of "Field Sports of the North." 2 vols. Royal 8vo. London, 1854. seldom or never see the simple truth, and so cannot be expected to communicate it to their friends and fellow-creatures. But of the making of books there is no end. Our author sighted the coast of Norway on the 24th of June 1851, and his first impression was rather one of disappointment while nearing the headland of Lindesnaes, the hills being low and devoid of boldness, and the general character of the scenery monotonous. Our own western islands of Tyree and Coll, both equally belonging to the gneiss formation, were recalled to mind, although the abundance of pine-wood, descending almost to the shore, distinguishes the northern land. The same well-wooded undulations prevail all the way to Christiania, whose famous fiord he thinks is overrated. "The monotony of the forms, the continuity of the woods, the absence of almost the smallest sea-cliff or sandy bay, weary the eye even though the scene is continually changing, and the shores ever verdant. An exception must be made, however, in favour of the immediate environs of Christiania, where the fiord expands into an exceedingly irregular basin, the coasts are steeper, and, at the same time, varied by the aspect of cultivation and of deciduous trees, where numerous detached houses enliven the low grounds, and the more distant hills have a bolder character. "Christiania itself is seen to advantage from the fiord, as well as from many places in its environs. It is built on an agreeable slope, facing the south. Its suburbs are intermingled with wood. The old castle of Aggershuus, picturesque in form, adorned with fine trees, and standing on a bold promontory, commanding at once the a splenetic tourist, who, after comparing Kirkwall and Christiania, assigns the palm of beauty to the Orcadian capital. The noble cathedral of the latter constitutes its only point of superiority, but alas! for its lowly heights, its woodless fields, and the restricted glories of the Peerie sea! Many of the natural characters of southern Norway certainly recall to mind those of the northern parts of Britain, but the climate of that portion of Scandinavia is so vastly superior, and correspondingly productive, that our bare and barren isles, with their treeless cliffs, and dark morasses, present also very different features from those of the environs of Christiania, verdant not only with superabundant forests of unvaried spruce and pine, but rejoicing in the oak, ash, and elm, in planes, sycamores, and beeches, all of lofty stature and luxuriant growth-to say nothing of those fruit trees, shrubs, and "bright consummate flowers," whose golden lustre makes this earth a paradise. But in our northern isles the things by courtesy called trees, have a bad habit of resembling large shaving brushes, very much the worse of wear on one side. The social and civil state, and advanced condition of science and learning, in such far northern cities as Christiana, Bergen, and Trondhiem, (the last named being nearly under the 64th degree,) indicate, according to Professor Forbes, a concurrence of circumstances favourable to civilisation, such as are not to be found at the same distance from the equator in any other portion of the globe, and are striking consequences of those laws of physical geography which produce many of the phenomena purely natural, and which it is one of the objects of our author to illustrate and explain. fiord, and the greater part of the town, has a striking effect. The city graduates into the country by means of innumerable villas, built usually in commanding situations, which remind one of the environs of Geneva. Indeed, there is Our traveller journeyed by carriole across something in the entire aspect of the town and the country to Trondhiem, taking eight days, surrounding scenery, which is exceedingly pleas- two of which were partially devoted to repose, ing and peculiar. The traveller who is acquainted and another to an exploration of the Dovrewith the aspects of middle and southern Europe field. The distance is 330 English miles, 80 finds himself at a loss to draw a comparison. The clearness of the air, the warmth of the sun, of which, however, are performed by steam on and a certain intensity of colour which clothes the lakes Miösen and Losna. He lauds the the landscape, involuntarily recall southern lati- civility and honesty of both postmasters and tudes, and even the shores of the Mediterranean. peasants. The scenery throughout is nowhere But the impression is counteracted by the back-characterized by Alpine sublimity, though cerground of pine forest, which reminds him of some of the higher and well-wooded cantons of Switwhich may compare in irregularity with the lake of the Four Cantons-lends an additional resemblance; yet again we miss the background of Alpine peaks and perpetual snows."-P. 3. zerland, to which the varied outline of the fiord We have pleasure in finding our attention frequently directed to the fact, that a great resemblance exists between many of the coast features of Norway, and those of the west and north of Scotland, and its isles, but we cannot quite coincide in the conclusion come to by tain parts are almost grand. The Miösen lake forms the receptacle of the noble river Lougen, which has already run a course of 130 miles before it finds its haven of repose at Lillehammer. This lake is deficient in lofty background, and its banks are monotonous. "We miss those lateral vistas through which the eye may wander and the fancy speculate, until the receding ranges of mountains are confounded with the clouds." Further on we pass through the ravine of Kringelen, interesting to our countrymen as the fatal spot where Colonel Sinclair, who commanded a body of with which in steepness it may compare; whilst the elevation is much greater. It has been stated it was no doubt frozen, and concealed by beds of that a lake exists in the hollow, but at this time snow. The ridge itself is wildly serrated, and like entire mountain is composed of a rather friable mica slate. The part on which we stood was a cone of pure snow, cleft vertically on the side of the precipice."-P. 21. "On our return to Jerkind, we supped on rein-deer soup, and found it excellent."-P. 26. troops raised in Scotland in 1612, for service | partly round it like the cliffs of Monta Somma, under Gustavus Adolphus, was cut off with almost all his men. Along this line, as indeed everywhere else in Norway, a marked peculiarity consists of the absence of villages, which, except it may be sparingly along the western coast, are scarcely known. The view of the Dovre-field is dreary enough even in summer, and when winter "rages loud and long," must be wild indeed. It consists of a table-land of an average height of rather more than 3000 feet above the sea, with loftier mountains rising from it, some of them, as Snee-hätten. attaining to an elevation of 7000 feet or more. But the greater portion is of much lower height, and the summits being rounded, and the bases of great extent, the picturesque effect is inferior to that of most mountain chains of the same The chiefest discomfort connected with Norwegian travel, arises from the melting of the snow at certain seasons. Not enough of it remains for sledges-too much for carrioles. The roads become snow-pits, not broad enough for carriage-wheels, and retaining magnitude. The drive from Fogstuen (a soli-pools of ice-cold water. In places where the tary farm-house) across the table-land, is nearly level, and resembles the moorland scenery of some of our own wild highland wastes. The hollows are filled up by desolate tarns or dreary swamps, while the drier spots bear a stunted brushwood. The last station on the ascent of the Dovre-field is Jerkind, a substantial dwelling, possessed by people of some wealth, and standing at a height 3100 feet above the sea. For the occupation of travellers, who often pass this way, a separate building has been erected on the opposite side of the road, where, however, our philosopher found the management not so good as he had anticipated from previous report. Snee-hätten rises from an already lofty base, about 14 English miles from Jerkind. The country is nearly trackless, and the traveller, or rather his sagacious pony, (we think again of Shetland, and its sure-footed shelties,) must "pursue the Arimaspian," through swamps and heather, amongst holes and shingle, dangerous for man or beast; he must ford rapid streams, nearly ice-cold; and, worst of all, must pass over many large patches of treacherous snow, in which his pony will often flounder up to the saddle. Although it requires. about four hours toilsome scramble to reach the base, the ascent of this field is so gradual that an elevation of not more than 1900 feet is gained in that time, after a ride of not less than 14 miles. The ascent of the mountain itself is both disagreeable and dangerous, the foot sinking among interstices at every step, threatening dislocation or broken bones." There is firmer footing near the summit, but the wind is very cold. The form of the mountain, as observed from the top, is that of a ridge running nearly east and west, precipitously broken towards the south, and sloping steeply in other directions. 66 "The chasm on the south side has been compared to a crater-the mountain ridge bending snow is still deep, it has become incapable of bearing the weight of a horse, and the animal sinks to the girths or more, while the traveller, left to his own resources, endeavours to advance on foot, and plunges first one leg and then another into the chill abyss, and is only relieved by finding himself sitting astride upon a more compacted piece of snow, his extremities dangling in a too-refreshing stream of running water. The end of April and beginning of May are therefore the worst times to travel in Norway. field, present some noble scenery, scarcely The passes of the Vaarstige, in the DovreAlpine, but comparable to the finest parts of the Scottish Highlands. The summit-level is soon after gained, and the ownard journey is by descent to Drivstuen, a small hamlet basking on a sunny spot among productive meadows, overhung on both sides by precipitous mountains, and presenting fine views of the Ravine and lower valley of the Driva, adorned by the sweet tracery of birch woods, and their silvery stems. Here a large collection of country people had assembled for some object of local interest. "We had consequently a good opportunity of observing the characteristics of the male inhabitants of this district of Norway. The opinion of a passing traveller ignorant of the language, is perhaps, hardly worth stating; but having some faith in physiognomy, I will venture to record my impression at the time, that I had never in any country seen so fine a peasantry, in point both of general appearance and of the expression, as on this journey, and more particularly on the north descent of the Dovre. The younger men are tall and muscular, and their deportment unites manliness with gentleness in a remarkable degree. As the hair is worn long at all ages, the appearance highly striking. The costume is extremely be of the aged men is venerable, and occasionally coming, being of pale brown home-manufactured woollen cloth slightly embroidered in green, with a belt, curiously jointed with leather and brass, from which hangs a knife (also made in the rural districts) with a carved handle, which is used in eating. A hanging red woollen cap completes the dress. Some travellers declaim against the slowness and stupidity of the Norwegians. Slow they may be as regards the deliberateness of their actions, but, so far as the experience of this journey extends, I should describe them as in general more than commonly intelligent and courteous."-P. 32. In addition to this favourable testimony, and preceding it, we need scarcely refer to the well-known opinions of Mr. Laing. mon-fishing," and they parted only under the 70th degree. We fear from the very casual and inadequate reference made here and there throughout his volume to this great subject, that Professor Forbes is not sufficiently impressed with the dignity and importance, either of angling in general, or of salmonfishing in particular. Thus, while voyaging along a particular portion of the shore, he merely notes, that "the Namsen river, well known to English salmon-fishers, falls into the Folden-fiord."-P. 44. And farther onwards, in describing Reipas on the river Alten, as a very nest of mosquitoes, he observes : Spruce and pine trees reappear in the valley of the Oerkel, the higher and preceding forest vegetation being birch. Those more sombre woods clothe the precipitous banks of a noble river, but a mountainous ridge must be crossed to the Guul en route to Trondhiem. This town, though wide, regular, and wellkept, is almost entirely built of wood. It is interesting as the most northern city of civili-cult to imagine that custom could reconcile any sation, latitude 63° 26'. Although the oak has ceased to grow, and few fruits come to perfection, it is a cheerful and pleasant place, and the culture of flowers, so strong an affection with Norwegians, is carried on with great success. Fine natural terraces, or "raised beaches," may be here examined, and have been well described by Mr. Robert Chambers, and other recent writers. No mountains of great elevation are visible from the shore, and the character of the scene again resembles that of our beloved Scottish Highlands, where the "great sea-waters" wind their restless way through long narrow inlets amid the silence of the lonely hills." Northwards of this station Norway soon becomes little else than a mountainous shore, intersected by deep fiords, and guarded by great insular masses detached from the mainland. As roads almost immediately cease, it may easily be conceived how various and invaluable are now the uses of constant steam navigation for more than 700 miles north wards to Hammerfest. "Taking advantage of this arrangement, I left Trondhiem with the companions of my journey from Christiania, on board the steamer Prinds Gustav,' bound for Hammerfest. Having been for a fortnight almost continually on board this well-appointed and well-officered vessel, I cannot but record my obligations to Captain Lous of the Norwegian navy, who commanded it, who exerted no common assiduity and no common talents, to render the voyage agreeable and instructive, to all his passengers, and for his courtesy to myself I retain feelings of the liveliest gratitude."P. 42. The English friends or fellow-travellers with whom our Professor had journeyed hitherto, were on their way "to the far north for sal "But for my veil I should have passed a night of torment, and even with it I had great difficulty in falling asleep, from the loudness of their hum, the sharpness of their bite even through the veil, and the broad daylight, which, as usual, streamed in at all the windows. It appeared to me diffi one to such a continuous infliction. Yet summer is a period so ardently dsired by all, whether natives or strangers, who dwell in these high latitudes, that the plague of flies is perhaps considered an insignificant deduction from their grati fication. More paradoxical still it does appear to every one but an angler, that the charms of sport should be sufficient to induce English gentlemen every year to spend their days and nights as unprotected prey to these savage insects; and, most unexpected of all, to find a delicate English lady surrendering herself to her husband's passion for fishing so completely as to become a willing prisoner in this terrible locality."-P. 95. What a charming creature she must have been. We wish we knew her. Hestmando, or the Horseman's island, is interesting as commencing the entrance into the arctic circle. The existence of a peculiarly fresh and verdant vegetation is now perceptible, the result of rapid development by the unceasing presence of the sun. Though barren of aspect at a distance, the grass on Hestmando is knee deep. From the Bay of Rödö to the right, and onwards, the coast now rises with more than its accustomed majesty, and over the snowy summits of Fond alen, seen through the clearest air, the rich glow of an arctic summer's midnight prevailed in all its splendour, and detained the passengers on deck, entranced by admiration of so solemn and glorious a scene. We are now in a region which, during the summer season, knows not night, at least if night means darkness, "A sleepless summer of long light, The snow-clad offspring of the sun." Of course, the great difficulty is to discover when to go to bed, especially in fine weather, while gliding so serenely over the smoothest water, among long serried ranges of fantastic approached, and the attractions of another calm islands, or into the till haven of inferior fiords, rock-bound, or bordered by the sombre majesty of immemorial woods. "We lingered on deck," says our philosopher, "long after midnight had passed, and thus gained a sight of the magnificent headland of Kunnen, a mountain with an almost precipitous face towards the ocean, whilst its mass is connected with the mainland only by a strip of flat alluvium; giving to it the appaarance of an island. During the whole night there was shed from the northern sky a warm sunset tint over the scenery-sea, rock, and verdure, (for much beautiful verdure there is even here), and snow, and glacier, whose continuing effect was indescribably harmonious and peaceful. Thus, in one day's voyage, beginning with Torghattan, and ending with Kunnen, we had enjoyed, under the most favourable circumstances of calm sea and cheerful weather, and a glowing midnight, an amount of majestic scenery, with which, in its kind, perhaps no European coast can compare.”—P. 53. and wild evening rivetted us to the deck, a still us."-P. 59. An encampment of Lapps is visited in the Their diminutive stature vicinity of Tromsö. and squalid aspect produced at first an unpleasing impression, afterwards counteracted by signs of intelligence, and a certain sweetness of expression. A young mother, with rather pleasing features, was observed to bring out her baby, and pack it up for the night, in a little cradle cut out of the solid wood, and stuffed with rein-deer moss. It fitted the Although potatoes and barley are still suc- space, we presume, like an embryo buttercessively cultivated along these northern fly in the skin of the chrysalis, and when once shores, and the flocks rejoice in green pas-The deposited could stir neither hand nor foot. tures, it is believed that less agricultural ex- The elder children "played nicely with one ertion is made than might be, especially in re- another." The whole wealth of these people spect to winter provender, such as turnips, consisted of rein-deer, of which the two famiwhich must surely thrive well in Scandinavia, lies possessed about 700. The milk of these else the name of "Swedes" must be a mis- animals is small in quantity, (Mr. Lloyd says, nomer. The venerable priest of Bodo, who "on an average, less than half a pint,") but had formerly resided as far north as Carlzô, excessively rich. It was near midnight before in latitude 70°, found that turnips throve there the exploring party regained the seaward admirably. Yet several degrees farther south shore. The atmospheric scene was glorious, the horses and cattle are fed in winter, partly the nocturnal sun shining warm and ruddy on the dried leaves of the birch-tree, but across the calm and tranquil sound,-more chiefly on sea-weed, and the heads of boiled like an evening in the Bay of Naples than fish! The old clergyman admitted that much midnight in the arctic regions. might be done in ameliorating the state of stock, but criticism was disarmed b his returning to the primary difficulty," here we have nine months of winter, and three weeks "As the steamer pursued its rapid course, through a tranquil sea, and under the very rocks, new forms of mountains rose in succession, assuming more and more the true granitic character; and often nearly the volcanic as the red colour and the forms of false craters, frequent in certain granitic formations, obtained more and more. The brightness of the green with which the shores and bases of the hills were clothed, added to the beauty of the effect by contrast with the ruddy hues of the bare summits, and the large patches of snow which still rested in the hollows; but as sunset, or rather midnight, The lofty Island of Kaagen, under the 70th degree, presents on its northern face a fine glacier, descending to no great distance from the sea. The hills above and around are finely formed, and recall to mind the mightier mountains of Savoy. where the snow accumulates, and there the glacier proper is elaborated; it then works its way down through a precipitous and narrow ravine, after which, expanding slightly laterally, it seems literally to hang on the slope, in form like a frozen tear, its very shape giving evidence to its tenacious plasticity. The sight of this glacier alone, even from a distance, with its crevasses and miniature moraines visible to the telescope, would have satisfied me that the glaciers of the north, even to the 70th degree, (which is exactly the latitude of Kaagen,) and those of the Alps, as low as latitude 45°, are identical in their nature."-P. 77.* "A pretty extensive névé is formed in a hollow We may here note that the term névé, as used above, is applied to those large upper basins of compacted snow which feed the glaciers, and from which the latter, occupying the natural outlet of a |