Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol III, No 13, 1851Various
General
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol III, No 13, 1851
Various
American literature -- Periodicals; Civilization -- Periodicals; Culture -- Periodicals
On resuming our voyage, we coasted along the shore, which was one mass
of savage, precipitous rock, until the black massive Cape loomed very
distinctly in the horizon. I landed at a bluff headland called Tunoes,
and collected a few flowers growing in crevices in the rock. A little
beyond that, in Sandbugt, a fragment of wreck was discernible, and I
ordered the boat to be pulled toward it. It proved to be a portion of
the keel of a large ship, about fifty feet long, and much worn. It had
evidently been hauled on the reefs by some fishermen, and the fortunate
salvors had placed their rude marks upon it. I mused over this fragment
of wreck, which was mutely eloquent with melancholy suggestiveness. How
many prayers had gone forth with the unknown ship! how many fathers,
brothers, sisters, lovers, and unconscious widows and orphans, might at
that moment be hoping against hope for her return! To what port did she
belong? In what remote ocean had she met her doom? Perchance this keel
had been borne by wind and tide from some region of thick-ribbed ice,
and was the only relic to tell of the dark fate of a gallant bark and
brave crew! Alas, what a thrilling history might that weed-tangled piece
of wood be linked with, and what food did it supply for the wanderer's
imagination!
Resuming the voyage, we came to a long promontory of solid rock,
stretching far into the sea, where it tapers down to the level of the
water. It is called Kniuskjoerodden; and I particularly draw attention
to it for the following reason: at Hammerfest the consul favored me with
an inspection of the charts recently published by the Norwegian
government, from express surveys by scientific officers of their navy.
The instant I cast my eye over the one containing Mager Oe, I perceived
that Kniuskjoerodden was set down _further north than the North Cape
itself_! The consul said that such was the actual fact, though he will
not consent to its disputing the legitimacy of the ancient fame which
the Cape worthily enjoys; since it is merely a low, narrow projection,
of altogether insignificant character. I walked to its extremity, and
narrowly escaped being washed by the roaring breakers into the deep
transparent sea.
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