310 CARLSTEN CASTLE. 



malefactors are bound whilst undergoing corporeal 

 punishment." 



The harbovir formed by the island on which the town 

 stands, and those of Koon and Klofver, which adjoin it, 

 securing it alike from the storms of the North Sea and the 

 attack of enemies, is one of the best and most capacious on 

 the western coast of Sweden. It consists of two parts, the 

 Coopvaerdie hamnen, or that for the reception of merchant 

 ships, which is about 600 feet in length, and between 30 

 and 40 in depth ; and the Orlogsliamnen, or man-of-war har- 

 bour, where the depth of water exceeds 40 feet, and the 

 anchorage is infinitely more extended. There are two 

 entrances to the harbour, — the northern channel, not ad- 

 mitting, with safety, vessels drawing more than 22 feet 

 water, and the southern, which may be navigated by those 

 of the very largest burthen. 



Marstrand, or more properly Carlsten Castle, Avhich 

 stands on the plateau of the island, and immediately 

 above tlie town, has, from its solid masonry and tower- 

 ing height, a most imposing appearance. Including the 

 lighthouse at the top, it is 130 feet high, and nearly 300 

 feet above the level of the sea. The covered way leading 

 to it has in places been hewn to the depth of 35 feet out 

 of the solid rock. Of late years it has been greatly en- 

 larged and strengthened, and can now, it is said, mount 

 400 guns, and contain a garrison of 5,000 men. It is well 

 supplied with water, though somewhat brackish, by means 

 of a well sunk within the walls. 



The Swedes are justly proud of this noble fortress, which 

 in the event of war may not improbably make a consider- 

 able figure in history. The P^everend M. Holmberg, the 

 historian of the province of Bohus, when speaking of it, 

 says: — "Carlsten, both from its commanding position, and 

 the strength and solidity of its defences, may with justice 

 be classed amongst the strongest places in Europe ; and had 



