An Iceland Fisherman

La Marie/, and her mast

s were rough and worn, impregnated with ooze and brine, but stillstrong and stout, and smelling strongly of tar. At anchor she lookedan old unwieldy tub from her so massive build, but when blew themighty wester

thevaliant race of seafarers whose homes are at Paimpol and Treg

mitating a rocky grotto, was erected on the quay; and over it, inthe midst of anchors, oars and nets, was enthroned the Virgin Mary,calm, and beaming with affection, the patroness of sailors; she wouldbe brou

d it on its way. Thepriest halted before each, giving them his holy blessing; and then thefleet started, leaving the country desolate of husbands, lovers, andsons; and as the shore

e of three orfour rough companions, on the moving thin plan

hes high prices, or farther on to the SandyIsles, with their salty swamps, where they buy the salt for the nextexpedition. The crews of lusty fellows stay a fe

irfamilies, in the midst of love, marriages, and births. Very often theyfind unseen babies upon their return, waiting for godfat