Árbók Landsbókasafns Íslands - Nýr flokkur - 01.01.1983, Page 63

TIL ÍSLENDINGA
63
the history of the game. That purpose having been fulfilled the
publication is completed. Sufficient interest, however, has been
aroused to ensure a chess column in one of the Reykjavík newspapers.
I hope that the magazine has also been of some benefit to the chess
players of Grímsey.
Whenever you have time I should by very glad if you would give
me a little sketch containing some information about the following
points:
1. Does the weather often prevent intercourse between farmstead
and farmstead in Grímsey? Ifso, what are the actual reasons for it
- especially in winters and at night? What kind of roads or paths
connect the houses together? How many ponies are there on the
island and how much are they used? Is the weather ever so bad
that families are prevented from coming to church on Sunday? Is
the church weather-tight? How many does it seat? Are the winds
violent in winter and do they ever do serious damage to any
buildings on the island? Is there much snow and at what season?
Is there much sunshine in the winter; and much wind and from
what quarter? What is the lenght of the longest and the shortest
days, that is, between sunrise and sunset? Are the cattle all housed
in the winter? How many sheep on the island at present? How
many cows? How many dogs?
2. What is the length and width of the church? What is the character
of the altar-piece (painting)? how old is it and where does it come
from? Is the church heated? Is there a bell? Please tell me once
more about the organ or harmonium used. Is there a baptismal
font? What is the age of the present church edifice? When was it
last repaired? About how many marriage services are performed
in the church yearly? How many funeral services? Are there many
good singers? Are evening services ever held at any season of the
year?
3. In the capture of birds and taking of eggs are there many
accidents, or loss of life, or is the apparatus now used secure
enough to prevent any such? How many lives, if any, have been
lost say within the last twenty years? How are the birds, eggs and
feathers prepared and sold? Are they sold separately? How are the
fowls used for food on the island? Are the eggs all serviceable for
food? What are the principal kinds of birds caught? Are birds ever
taken by traps or shooting? What is the number of eider-ducks on