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"CUPBOARD LOVE" OF CATTLE.
165
In my original notes is a long paragraph overflowing
with sentimental tenderness relative to these affectionate
cows, that have followed and overwhelmed me with
such loving licks ; hut I do not transcribe it, as upon
further reflection it is evident that the licking was mere
cupboard love ; for all cattle in inland and especially
mountainous districts, have a strong propensity for salt,
and thev were merely licking the deposits from the sea
spray that had fallen on my clothes during the recent
voyage. The discovery of this explanation of their
licking was mortifying to my feelings: man wishes to be
loved for himself alone, and the spontaneous
manifestations of these pastoral, unsophisticated cows seemed to
respond to the heart’s fond yearnings ; but, alas ! even
the cows of Surrendal were licking me for the salt I
carried.
I stopped for the night at the Quamen station, where I
had supper of the fine deep-coloured trout fried in a
lake of butter. Having finished the first bowl of milk
and called for another, the hostess brought me a bucket
of beer, very turbid and green, like the water of an
ill-conditioned aquarium. I tasted it, of course, and tried
to drink it, but failed. It may have been made from
the moltebeer, a red three-lobed berry that grows wild
upon the hills; but it tasted like an infusion of hay,
salted.
At the other end of the bench on which I had my
supper, the farmer, or " bonder," and his " housemen "
were taking theirs; it consisted of a dark-coloured stiff
porridge, made apparently of rye meal, dabbed 011 a
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