HAT the continent of America was visited by

European and Asiatic vessels, long before it was effectually made known by the genius of Columbus, is an opinion which has of late years gained ground among those who have directed their attention to the subject. The Europeans who are said to have the honor

of the discovery were the Northmen; those daring navigators who traversed the tempestuous seas of the North in their little vessels, and

who discovered Iceland. As most historians treat this claim with respect as being supported by weighty testimony, we give the facts as recorded by the Icelandic authorities and quoted by many antiquaries.

BOUT the end of the eighth and beginning of the ninth century, the Normans made themselves famous by their predatory excursions. England, Scotland, Ireland, the Orkney and Shetland Islands, were objects of their depredations; and, in one of their piratical expeditions, (A. D. 861) they discovered an island, which from its lofty mountains covered with ice and snow, obtained the name of Iceland. In a few years after they planted a colony there, which was continually augmented by migrations from the neighbouring countries. Within the space of thirty years (889) a new country, situated on the west, was discovered, and from its verdure during the summer months received the name of Greenland. This was deemed so important an acquisition, that, under the conduct of ERIC RAUDE, or REDHEAD, sometimes called Eric the Red, a Danish chief, it was soon peopled.

The emigrants to these new regions were still inflamed with the passion for adventure and discovery. An Icelander of the name HERIOLF and his son BIRON* made a voyage every year to different countries, for the sake of traffic. About the beginning of the eleventh century (1001) their ships were separated by a storm. When Biron arrived in Norway, he heard that his father was gone to Greenland, and he resolved to follow him; but another storm drove him to the southwest, where he discovered. a flat country, free from rocks, but covered with thick woods; and an island near the coast.

E made no longer stay at either of these places than till the storm abated; when by a northeast course he hasted to Greenland. The discovery was no sooner known there, than LEIF the son of Eric, who, like his father, had a strong desire to acquire glory by adventures, equipped a vessel, carrying twentyfive men; and, taking Biron for his pilot, sailed (1002) in search of the new country.

His course was southwest. On the first land which he saw, he found nothing but flat rocks and ice, without any verdure. He therefore gave it the name of Helluland, which signifies rocky. Afterward he came to

* His name is spelled by different authors BIRON, BIORN, BIOERN, and BIAERN.

a level shore, without any rocks, but overgrown with woods, and the sand was remarkably white. This he named Markland, or woody. Two days after, he saw land again, and an island lying before the northern coast of it. Here he first landed; and thence sailing westward, round a point of land, found a creek or river into which the ship entered.

N the banks of this river, were bushes bearing
sweet berries; the air was mild, the soil fertile,
and the river well stored with fish, among which
were very fine salmon. At the herd of the river
was a lake, on the shore of which they resolved to
pass the winter, and erected hu
modation. One of their c
named Tyrker, having strag

found grapes; from which, he told them that in h
wine. From this circumstance Leif the command
the place Vinland dat gode, the good wine country•

for their accom

any, a German

into the woods, intry, they made of the party, called

An intercourse being thus opened between Greenland and Vinland, several voyages were made, and the new country was further explored. Many islands were found near the coast, but not a human creature was seen till the third summer (1004) when three boats constructed of ribs of bone, fastened with thongs or twigs and covered with skins, each boat containing three men, made their appearance. From the diminutive size of these people the Normans denominated them Skrælings,* and inhumanly killed them all but one; who escaped and collected a larger number of his countrymen, to make an attack on their invaders. The Normans. defended their ships with so much spirit, that the assailants were obliged to retire.

After this a colony of Normans went and settled at Vinland, carrying on a barter trade with the Skrælings for furs; but a controversy arose in the colony, which induced some to return to Greenland. The others. dispersed and mixed with the Skrælings.

Towards the end of the reign of Olaf the Saint (1026), an Icelander, named Gudleif mbarked for Dublin. The vessel being driven by boisterous wind. approached an by the natives &

r from its direct course towards the south-west, own shore. He and the crew were soon seized carried into the interior. Here, however, to their

* Cut sticks, chips-Dwarfs.

great surprise, they were accosted by a venerable chief in their own language, who inquired after some individuals in Iceland. He refused to

tell his name; but as he sent a present of a gold ring to Thurida, the sister of Snorre Gode, and a sword for her son, no doubt was entertained that he was the Scald (Bard) Biorn, who had been her lover, and who had left Iceland nearly thirty years before that time (998). The natives were described as of a red color and cruel to strangers; indeed, it required all the influence of the friendly chief to rescue Gudleif and his companions from destruction.

N the next century (1121) Eric, Bishop of Greenland, went to Vinland, with a benevolent design to recover and convert his countrymen who had degenerated into savages. This prelate never returned to' Greenland; nor was any thing more heard of Vinland for several centuries.

These facts are as consistent and as well supported by collateral evidence as many of the contemporary relations upon which historians generally rely. There is nothing improbable in the alleged voyages. The Scandinavians are known to have been the best of navigators, and their ships visited every sea, from the Mediterranean to the Baltic. The voyage from Reykiavik, in Iceland, to Cape Farewell, is not longer than that from the southwestern extremity of Iceland to the eastern coast of Labrador, and it might be supposed that a daring, enterprising race of seamen, discovering and colonizing Iceland, would at least attempt to explore the seas beyond.

But, it is asked by the doubting, if North America was really dis