Every thing was new and striking to me; I waited in great impatience till we could land.
At length the anchor descended; but it was not till next morning that the hour of disembarkation and deliverance came.
But one more night, and then, every difficulty overcome, I should tread the shores of Iceland, the longed-for, and bask as it were in the wonders of this island, so poor in the creations of art, so rich in the phenomena of Nature.
* * * * * Before I land in Iceland, I must trouble the reader with a few preliminary observations regarding this island.

They are drawn from Mackenzie's _Description of Iceland_, a book the sterling value of which is appreciated every where.

{24} The discovery of Iceland, about the year of our Lord 860, is attributed to the spirit of enterprise of some Swedish and Norwegian pirates, who were drifted thither on a voyage to the Feroe Isles.

It was not till the year 874 that the island was peopled by a number of voluntary emigrants, who, feeling unhappy under the dominion of Harold Harfraga (fine hair), arrived at the island under the direction of Ingold.

{25} As the newcomers are said to have found no traces of dwellings, they are presumed to be the first who took possession of the island.
At this time Iceland was still so completely covered with underwood, that at some points it was necessary to cut a passage.