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National Geographic Society

Natural-Color Photograph by Maynard Owen Williams SUKKERTOPPEN, THE VENICE OF GREENLAND

Snowclad mountains provide a lovely background for the vari-hued roofs of this flourishing Arctic village, built upon rocky islets. Here the members of the MacMillan Expedition were hospitably received by the Danish authorities.

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Holstensborg is the most interesting settlement in the Northern Inspectorate of Greenland, and was the home port of the American halibut fishermen for many years. It boasts one of the few modern industries of Greenland, a canning factory.

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THE ARCTIC DWELLER DELIGHTS IN VIVID COLORS

As if to counteract the depressing effects of rain, wind, fog and snow, the South Greenlanders paint their houses in bright blues, browns and greens. The lichens on the shingled roof of the house to the left give the effect of paint.

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THE FAMILY'S WINTER SUPPLY OF MEAT NAILED TO THE HOUSE

These young Greenlanders of Holstensborg do not fear the wolf at the door during the long months of darkness, for dried fish and Arctic hare in abundance have been provided. Note the family sled, with its bright blue runners, stored on the roof of the shed.

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Natural-Color Photographs by Jacob Gayer

Minute algae (Sphaerella nivalis), found in the melting snow, give it a striking reddish tinge. Note the luxuriant grass flourishing at the very edge of the glacier (see also Color Plate X).

A RELIC LEFT BY MEDIEVAL NORSEMEN

These lichen-covered ruins, at the head of Godthaab Fiord, 60 miles
from the sea, stand in the center of an elevated plain 100 feet above the
water's edge. Their complete story is one of the mysteries of Greenland.

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The gayly-colored edifice in the background is one of the oldest churches in Greenland. It dates from 1773 and is a source of pride to Holstensborg.

SHOPPING FOR BREAD IN SUKKERTOPPEN

Red sealskin boots, with lace and embroidery tops, and soft sealskin
trousers are features of the characteristic costume of the bright-eyed
native girls of this village.

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The vivid green of this hillside on Disko Island is emphasized by the white patches of snow which feed its babbling brook. Greenland has a large plant population-some 400 species, all of which are in flower at the same time.

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