File:Distant View of Skeen (JW Edy plate 37).jpg

Rich in mines of iron, stone, woods, and waters, Skeen may vie with most parts of Norway. The scenery for many miles around, consists of vast mountains, woods, and lakes. The present view was taken below the town, over which is seen the smoke, from the iron works at Fossum, with its picturesque mountain rich in iron ore. Some of the water about Skeen, comes from near Lauven Soe, at the foot of the Hardangerfield Mountains, through Mios Vand, and a chain of lakes in Tellemarkens. Two of the latter, being of considerable length and extent, are called seas, and denominated Hvide Soe, and Nord Soe. They fertilize a vast tract of country, and by their numerous falls give motion to many saw and corn mills. After the confluence of the Hytte, the river distributes its superfluous waters by many channels into the Fiord at this town, from which it glides down through Porsground and Brevig, to the grand estuary, the Skager Rack. The Fossum iron establishment is of great extent, and considerable importance to this part of Norway, possessing all the necessary works, for fusion and extraction of metal, from the different ores found in its metalliferous mountains, particularly, the large one seen in the distance. Stoves, and a variety of iron vessels are east and manufactured here, both for domestic use, and for exportation; the iron is not esteemed equal to that from Arendal or Laurvig. The boat introduced, is of the description named prams, in general use throughout Norway; at this town they are construeted very slight, with few ground timbers, and no saxboards ; the head is considerably higher, and projects more out of the water, than that of the pram made at other places. The hunters, with their rifle guns and game, are seen reposing and regaling themselves with the mersham pipe, under a stratified piece of rock, on the bank of a stream, which drives the saw and flour mills in the town. The huntsmen set out early in the morning into the woods, and there sit down with almost inconceivable patience, sheltered by a bush, to wait for the game. No better marksmen can be found; with a rifle ball, they invariably hit their game in the eye, or head, thus preserving the skins entire. Few persons are able to endure cold, hunger, fatigue, or adversity, in any shape, with a degree of magnanimity and composure, equal to that which is familiar to the natives of Norway. After being out a whole day on a hunt, exposed to the bleakest winds, and most penetrating cold, and that without the least thing to satisfy the calls of nature, the hunter comes home, warms himself, takes a glass of brandy, if he has it, a bit of brown unleavened bread, smokes his pipe of tobacco, and then retires to rest, as calm as if in the midst of plenty.