Both agreed that it was the most beautiful part of Sweden. Clement
thought that the southern part was the best, while the Laplander
favoured the northern part.
As they argued, it became plain that Clement had never been farther
north than Haernoesand. The Laplander laughed at him for speaking with
such assurance of places that he had never seen.
"I think I shall have to tell you a story, Clement, to give you some
idea of Lapland, since you have not seen it," volunteered the Laplander.
"It shall not be said of me that I refuse to listen to a story,"
retorted Clement, and the old Laplander began:
"It once happened that the birds who lived down in Sweden, south of the
great Sameland, thought that they were overcrowded there and suggested
moving northward.
"They came together to consider the matter. The young and eager birds
wished to start at once, but the older and wiser ones passed a
resolution to send scouts to explore the new country.
"'Let each of the five great bird families send out a scout,' said the
old and wise birds, 'to learn if there is room for us all up there--food
and hiding places.'
"Five intelligent and capable birds were immediately appointed by the
five great bird families.
"The forest birds selected a grouse, the field birds a lark, the sea
birds a gull, the fresh-water birds a loon, and the cliff birds a snow
sparrow.
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