I 



53 



miles in a very small frail boat, and from him we learned tliat, as 

 we desired and supposed, the entrance to Christiansund (which forms 

 likewise the south entrance to Drontheira ) was before us. Being 

 almost a perfect calm we progressed very slowly, drifting in as much 

 by the agency of the swell as of the wind. In the evening we passed 

 innumerable low rocks and a lighthouse, and at 10 p.m., being in a 

 comparatively narrow channel, attempted to get soundings, but did not 

 succeed at 150 fathoms. 



After entering the inner channels, we had still above 100 miles 

 of navigation before reaching Drontheim, and this, in consequence of 

 the lightness of the winds, occupied us till the afternoon of the 15th. 

 The scenery was very pleasing, consisting of wooded mountains, with 

 cascades, increased by the rapidly melting snow, and low rocky barren 

 islands, relieved by patches of cultivated land of the freshest possible 

 verdure, with neat wooden buildings painted red or yellow, the roofs 

 presenting the appearance of bright green, being coated with turf for 

 the sake of warmth. 



We were much struck with the town of Drontheira, so different in 

 aspect from any we had before seen, being built almost entirely of 

 wood, and containing many handsome structui-es of that material. 

 Being painted externally they all have an appearance of nevniess and 

 want of solidity which made it difficult to realise that we were in one 

 of the oldest cities of the north, the residence of ancient Norwegian 

 kings. The cathedral, which is the only building we remarked as 

 belonging to past times, possesses great architectural merit, but is 

 sadly defaced. 



The position of Drontheim on the shore of u fine fiord, eight or ten 

 miles in width, is very beautiful ; and the river Nid, at the mouth of 

 which it is situated, and by which it is moi'e than half sorrounded, is a 

 fine stream flowing through a beautiful valley bounded by very re- 

 markable natural terraces. There are two magnificent waterfalls upon 

 the river, five or six miles from the city. We remained at Drontheim 

 four days, on each of which, except the Sunday, I employed a few hours 

 in dredging. The depth of the fiord was about 30 fathoms close to 

 the anchorage with a muddy bottom, not the most favourable ground for 

 mollusca, but I obtained there a few species, strangers to our own seas, 

 viz., heda oblonffa, or permila, Yoldia liicida, Scaphander libraria, 

 Patella ca;ca, also a sea urchin allied to Brijssus lyrifpy, and a starfish, 

 both supposed to be undescribed. 



In the afternoon of the 19th of June wo were again under sail for tho 

 northward, having engaged a pilot, recommended by the harbour master 

 as well acquainted with the intricate navigation of the inner passages, 



