I only found the peasant less interested in districts where a traveller scarcely ever appeared; but in such places as were more visited, their charges were often exorbitant.
For example, I had to pay 20 to 30 kr.

(8d.

to 1s.) for being ferried over a river; and then my guide and I only were rowed in the boat, and the horses had to swim.

The guide who accompanied me on the Hecla also overcharged me; but he knew that I was forced to take him, as there is no choice of guides, and one does not give up the ascent for the sake of a little money.
This conduct shows that the character of the Icelanders does not belong to the best; and that they take advantage of travellers with as much shrewdness as the landlords and guides on the continent.
A besetting sin of the Icelanders is their drunkenness.

Their poverty would probably not be so great if they were less devoted to brandy, and worked more industriously.