The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-11-26

the severe needs OF the dark and almost
unending nOrthland winter
One other structure To be often found
at NEST of these stations is Interesting
from its uses Its a bentower or belfly
in which is placed a bell, and occasionally
two or three, though the latter never
form d chime These bells are in com
mon use on nearly all Norwegian farms,
where the bonder's lands may lie at u
long distance from the gard. The bell
is used for calling the farmfollr from the
fields or mountains, or to convey orders
and directions or intelligence to those
absent from the farm house or station
Indeed it has all manner of uses. If the
Stationkeeper is absent when travellers
arrive and demand his attention, he is
thus notified. The approach of the
dreaded Lensnland or ciirnit-riding CON
stable, who is also a sort of a magistrate,
is thus heraldcd. People are brought by
it from great distances in the mountains
TO merry markings, weddings or funerals
And often at SLOW" stations where the
supply OF horses and stoll-cars is almost
always matter of accommodation on the
part Of neighbors, may live miles away
in unseen hooks and glens; the station
bell tolled in q certain ierlCv. .preemptorV
manner by the master will bring pony
ana cart from invisible retreat far more
speedily than heetest lad or even less
effective bullying and brides. ;.>r,
You are not ushered into. but YOU enter
large, common room at these stations
There is the bare floor: round o. q
square deal table. perhaps possessing {;
cover, often Strewn with guide books in
languages, and quite selection of books
pamphlets and magazines left behind by
travellers: and upon which also invaria-
bly, lies the open day-bool1, in which all
complaints and praises are freely re-
corded a few strong chairs the horse
hair sofa which smiles grim welcome to
YOU in all lands and n
gaudily painted bureau or chest
of drawers. which usually bears
tine name of the stationmaster wife ana
the date of her marriage. This is the Gu
tire furnishing but everything is win
aglow with plants aud flowers. If you Sc
cure single apartment in this more ca
pacious portion of the station, there will
only be room enough within il to dispose
of your scant luggage beneath your bed.
and to disrobe while sitting upon its sharp
bunk-lke edge for your wash-basin and
soap will stand upon your single chair
II party can occupy the same room, and
all do not desire to retire at the same mo.
ment, a little more space for iadiyidual
action may be secured. For myself, !
soon learned that away next the root Of
these old inns there were coy. roomv
places with huge old beds. though ascend
ing and descending required the agility
and precision of the hod-carrier's step
Your meals are taken in comfortable
room containing only long table. some
stout chairs, and window lodges filed
with flowers. Good tea, poor coffee, fair
butter, oceans Of cream and milk. half a
dozen varieties Of cheese, and excellent
bread, with an abundance of fresh eggs,
are always to be had There are wild
strawberries Of wonderful sweetness and
flavor. morning, noon and night Fresh
meat is rarity at some stations. though
launches OF mutton, hot oreold are com
mon; while at all stations trout and sal
mon are provided 70 repletion The en-
tire establishment is simple humble, clean
and good without the element OF good
cheer The station-master's' wife IS an
overworked body who plods and courtseys
the day and night through.
Her great blue eyes are grave. wondering
and wearied to such degree that you fear
she is about to burst into tears.
There are two or three fiaxeu -haired
maidens who plod, and duck their heads.
and are eternally shaking hands with Won
II you are kindly disposed, or hestow the Z
slightest gratuity. II It is an important
station there is.a porter, a shock-headed
tireless, smileless man of all work. with a
face of that leathery whiteness which
comes from loss Of sleep The skydscuts.