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cussions etc, it publishes scientific and learned works, chiefly dealing
with Icelandic history and literature. — Hid islenzka Thjédvinatélag
(The Society of the Icelandic People’s Friends), founded in 1869, was
originally political, but soon began to devote itself to the publication of
a kind of popular science series. It also publishes two annuals contain-
ing articles on a variety of subjects. — HJ islenzka Fornleifatélag
(The Icelandic Archzological Society), founded 1879 for the collection
and preservation of Icelandic antiquities, issues a Year-Book dealing
with archaological matters. — Hi3 islenzka Nittirufradistélag (The
Icelandic Natural History Society), founded in 1889 for the purpose
of collecting objects of natural history, publishes an annual report. —
Séqufélagid (The Icelandic Historical Society), founded 1902, publishes
texts dealing with the history of Iceland from about 1500 onwards. —
Fornritafélag Islands (The Early Icelandic Text Society) was founded
in 1928 for the purpose of bringing out a standard edition of the old
Icelandic classics, complete in 32 volumes, the first of which is to ap-
pear this year or in 1931; thenceforward one or two vols will be
published every year.
There are other associations of a more exclusive character, as e. g.
Stiidentafélag Reykjavikur (The University Men's Union in Reykia-
vik), founded in 1871. The union has for a number of years arranged
for courses of popular lectures to be given both in and outside
the capital. —- Visindafélag [slendinga (Iceland's Scientific Society),
founded 1918 by the professors in the university and a few other men
of science, works for the advancement of learning and science by giv-
ing lectures and publishing books. Mention should also be made of:
Laknafélag [stands (the Icelandic Medical Society); Kennarafélag
fstands (The Teachers’ Association of Iceland); Prestafélag Islands
(The Association of Icelandic Clergymen); and Verkfrazdingafélag fs-
lands (The -Association of Civil Engineers), each publishing a profes-
sional periodical.
Listvinafélagid (The Lovers of Art Society), founded 1916, works for
the promotion of the fine arts by arranging art exhibitions.
For physical culture, comprising gymnastics, swimming, ski-running,
skating, football, wrestling, etc, a number of clubs and unions has
been organized in the country. Wrestling (glima) is purely Icelandic
and quite different from the Greco-Roman style. It requires a tre-
mendous amount of practice, and the chance of winning depends on
suppleness more than strength or weight. — All these clubs and unions
