ion and determined
attitude to change a subject province into a free and independent state:
for, carefully guarded as it is, the union with Sweden is only a source
of strength and security.

One peculiarity of the Storthing is, that a majority of its members are,
and necessarily must be, farmers; whence Norway is sometimes nicknamed
the _Farmer State_. Naturally, they take very good care of their own
interests, one of their first steps being to abolish all taxes on landed
property; but in other respects I cannot learn that their rule is not as
equitable as that of most legislative bodies. Mugge, in his recently
published _Nordisches Bilderbuch_ (Northern Picture Book), gives an
account of a conversation which he had with a Swedish statesman on this
subject. The latter was complaining of the stubbornness and ignorance of
the Norwegian farmers. Mugge asked, (the remainder of the dialogue is
too good to be omitted):--

"The Storthing, then, consists of a majority of coarse and ignorant
people?"

STATESMAN. "I will not assert that. A certain practical understanding
cannot be denied to most of these farmers, and they often bestow on
their sons a good education before giving them the charge of the
paternal fields. One, therefore, finds in the country many accomplished
men: how could there be 700 students in Christiania, if there were not
many farmers' sons among them?"

AUTHOR. "But does this majority of farmers in the Storthing commit
absurdities? does it govern the country badly, burden it with debts or
enact unjust laws?"

STATESMAN. "That cannot exactly be admitted, although this majority
naturally gives its own interests the preference, and shapes the
government accordingly. The state has no debts; on the contrary, its
treasury is full, an abundance of silver, its bank-notes in demand,
order everywhere, and, as you see, an increase of prosperity, with a
flourishing commerce. Here lies a statement before me, according to
which, in the last six months alone, more than a hundred vessels have
been launched in different ports."

AUTHOR. "The Farmer-Legislature, then, as I remark, takes care of
itself, but is niggardly and avaricious when its own interests are not
concerned?"

STATESMAN. "It is a peculiar state of affairs. In very many respects
this reproach cannot be made against the farmers. If anything is to be
done for science, or for so-called utilitarian objects, they are always
ready to give money. If a deserv