Yet this was the first and only grazing-place to be met with in all the long distance from Thingvalla.

We therefore made a halt of two hours, to let our poor horses pick a scanty meal.

Large swarms of minute gnats, which seemed to fly into our eyes, nose, and mouth, annoyed us dreadfully during our stay in this place.
On this moor there was also a small lake; and here I saw for the first time a small flock of swans.

Unfortunately these creatures are so very timid, that the most cautious approach of a human being causes them to rise with the speed of lightning into the air.

I was therefore obliged perforce to be content with a distant view of these proud birds.