On the other hand, John Fiske, the American
historian, who devoted much patient study to the question,
was convinced that what is now the Canadian coast, with,
probably, part of New England too, was discovered, visited,
and thoroughly well known by the Norse inhabitants of
Greenland. For several centuries they appear to have made
summer voyages to and from this 'Vineland the Good' as
they called it, and to have brought back timber and
supplies not found in their own inhospitable country. It
is quite possible that further investigation may throw
new light on the Norse discoveries, and even that undeniable
traces of the buildings or implements of the settlers in
Vineland may be found. Meanwhile the subject, interesting
though it is, remains shrouded in mystery.
CHAPTER V
THE BRISTOL VOYAGES
The discoveries of the Norsemen did not lead to the
opening of America to the nations of Europe. For this
the time was not yet ripe. As yet European nations were
backward, not only in navigation, but in the industries
and commerce which supply the real motive for occupying
new lands. In the days of Eric the Red Europe was only
beginning to emerge from a dark period.
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