FAMINE IN ICELAND.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 392, 14 September 1875, Page 3

FAMINE IN ICELAND.

The London Times says :—“ Mr Eirikr Magnusson, Sub-Librarian of the University Library, writes to us from Cambridge; ‘ Iceland has this year been visited by a calamity in the shape of a volcano eruption (in character and extent almost identical with that of 1783, which proved the death of 14,000 human beings), the inevitable consequences of which will be famine and destruction of human life on a large scale, unless timely aid should be forthcoming. A large number of the most prosperous country districts in the island was laid waste in the course of four hours last Easter Monday by being covered with scoriaceous sand, pumice, and volcano ashes. The inhabitants have had 'to fly for life, with their stock, into districts not yet affected, the pastures of which have been charitably placed at their disposal by the respective owners ; but, being many times overstocked, they are beginning already to yield only famishing sustenance. In private letters, which I have just received from the distressed parts, it is calculated that pastures to the extent of from 2500 to 3000 square miles have been destroyed, which supplied the necessary food for 40,000 sheep, ,2000 cattle, and 3000 horses. The spread of the distress into those very districts whose charity is supporting the first sufferers is itself increasing the evil to an alarming extent, so that any aid, to be effectual, must make provision not only for the instant wants of the people, but also for the ensuing winter, as all prospect of a hay harvest (the only harvest known in Iceland) is gone for this year in the immediately affected districts, and is largely impaired in the invaded ones. Food and fodder being immediately required for the starving herds, it is proposed, should this appeal be liberally responded to, as I sincerely hope it will be, to charter a special steamer at the earliest possible date, to convey direct to the country, as a first instalment of English charity, such stores as are absolutely necessary at this moment. The Lord Mayor has most kindly expressed his pleasure to receive subscriptions in aid of this distress, and such as are willing are requested to send their contributions to the Mansion House.’ *