Valley in Heliesund (JW Edy plate 08)

No. VIII. VIEW FROM A VALLEY ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF HELIESUND.

This small undulating spot is enclosed with rocks on three of its sides; having gentle rills of water meandering through it, where the snipe and woodcock breed.

A disruption of the rocks has nearly closed the entrance. Similar casualties in

some parts of Norway have buried in an instant houses and families. The dilation

of the strata by frosts loosens the stones; which in their fall carry every thing with them, and form a vast heap of rubbish at the bottom. At the extremity of the valley is a landing-place constructed of timber, and at a little distance are rocky islands, beyond which the main land is seen. In front is a majestic rock of granite seated on an inclined plane, apparently ready to glide into the ocean. This spot being well sheltered from the bleak winds, is the chosen retreat of a colony of wild bees; their nests are suspended from the branch of the pine, or hawthorn, in the form of a pine apple, and of a lead colour. The bees are small, and their honey uncommonly good. They collect their sweets from a few flowers, the wild thyme and other odoriferous herbs and plants, from the river's bank to the mountain's top, with great care and industry.