LONG before Columbus discovered America, there were brave men in the north of Europe who dared to sail farther out upon the unknown waters of the Atlantic than any other people in the world. These daring seamen were called Vikings. Their home was the peninsula of Scandinavia, now ruled over by one king, although divided into two distinct countries, Norway and Sweden. It was along the shores of Norway, with rugged mountains fringing its deep bays, that the Vikings learned command of their curious, high-prowed ships, and overcame all fear of wind and storm. Their strong nature shows itself to-day in the people of Norway, who patiently endure many hardships while trying to get a living on the rough mountain-sides or along the rocky coasts. Many of our Norwegian cousins have come to America to make a new home for themselves where the sun shines more warmly and the winds blow less keenly. Their fair-haired children are growing up amongst us, showing us the qualities their parents most admire. Be brave, be honest, be kind to all creatures, be faithful to every little duty,--these are the lessons they have been taught from babyhood, as well as their brothers and sisters who have not as yet ventured far from the land they love so well,--the land of rapid-flowing rivers, deep, dark bays, and narrow valleys. Come with me to-day to the home of one of these blue-eyed cousins and join her for a while in her work and play. Contents CHAPTER PAGE I. THE FARM 9 II. VISITORS 21 III. THE CHRISTENING 36 IV. THE LOST PIN 46 V. THE BIRTHDAY 59 VI. THE WEDDING 66 VII. LEGENDS 72 VIII. THE LUMBER CAMP 92 IX. THE LAPPS 101 X. HOLIDAY FROLICS 111 List of Illustrations PAGE MARI _Frontispiece_ "IT WAS A SORT OF GIG WITH VERY LONG SHAFTS" 22 THE CHRISTENING 41 CARVED HOUSES AT THELEMARKEN 62 SKI-LOBING 74 "'IT IS ALWAYS IN THE SHAPE OF A MOUND'" 103 MARI Our Little Norwegian Cousin CHAPTER I. THE FARM "COME, Mari, my little daughter, and you shall help me make the cakes," called her mother. Mari stood in the middle of the big farm-yard with a flock of hens around her. She was scattering grain among them from a big bag on her arm; not a sound could be heard except once in a while the scratching of the hens' feet. They were too busy to notice each other or the big dog that sat on the door-step. The little girl laughed quietly as she watched them. "They are so happy; they love this pleasant summer-time as much as I do," she said to herself.