File:View near Dillengen (JW Edy plate 70).jpg

In perambulating the environs of Mos, at almost every step, the most agreeable views present themselves, and particularly so on the side about Dillengen, a small post house situated in the woods to the southward of the pleasant and delightful town of Mos. From a long street, which leads over the hills to the above place, are obtained many glimpses of the lake Van Soe, which enliven the progress of the traveller until he is closely embowered in a thick forest. Having passed the house on the left, and proceeded some distance towards the lake, the wilds of the country begin to disappear, and he finally arrives at its banks, a little above which this view presents itself. The town of Mos is situated somewhat to the left of the rock seen on that side of the picture, on which was a small portion of grass cut; there is much barren rock on the east side, towards the narrow passage described in the last view, as entering between the mountains seen from this place, whence the timber is conducted down to the saw-mills, below the bridge at Mos. From this entrance the greater part of the extensive waters of the Lake Van Soe are seen as far as the eye can reach. About its margin, and on the hills, are many neat farm-houses ; and around them much cultivated land. In the lake are many large and small islands, which with the surrounding country, partake the character of Italian scenery. The people conduct their husbandry with skill and profit, although on the old principles, and gain credit for their breed of horses and cattle. They collect considerable quantities of timber for exportation, and produce much charcoal for the iron works. Their fish are delicious, and in great plenty, salmon excepted, on account of the saw-mills, or because the altitude of the fall at Mos does not afford a proper leap, or access to its fresh waters. This loss may be easily dispensed with by the Norwegian, in regard to the more gratifying sight of the numerous rafts of timber and barges continually floating down and destined to a sure market, which so wholly occupies their commercial spirit, as to make them totally indifferent to Van Soe, and all its attendant beauties, except in so far as it may be rendered subservient to their laudable purposes. It is a question to be solved, whether the procuring of timber, or the burning of charcoal, be the most productive employment pursued in the vicinity of Mos, the great consumption of the latter commodity at the iron works being so considerable. The entrance to the narrow pass of the waters to Mos is seen in front, guarded by a low barren rock, or bar, which causes much trouble and inconvenience in blowing weather. In the background are two of the mountains covered with forests, forming precipitous terminations to the northward, and gradually sloping off on the opposite sides to the great lake on the right. This lake is a retreat for all sorts of wild fowl, and its banks are free from noxious animals. The little herds of cattle and sheep prowl about picking up their provender in security and peace, while their bells tinkle in many reverberated echoes, among the hills and rocks.