148 VISIT TO DENMARK [i?99- 



grounds, but grew somewhat better as we approached. 

 Crossed a bridge to the gate, where we underwent a 

 very close examination of every article. More rocks, 

 only enclosed, and a few oaks scattered. Again thought 

 the town abominable ; but were much struck with 

 the fine show of iron, chiefly bar, at the depot. At 

 two we arrived at our inn, to our infinite joy. This 

 inn is very indifferent, in a bad part of the town, and 

 has a very large table d'hote, where we dined for two 

 or three days till we were introduced to the society. 



As we went to the play this evening (though we 

 were too late), we saw enough of the quay, palace, 

 buildings, &c., to raise our opinion of Stockholm. 



It is a large, well-built city, and contains above 

 80,000 inhabitants. Its situation is strikingly ro- 

 mantic more so, indeed, than that of any other capital 

 in Europe. It stands upon barren rocks intersected 

 in every quarter by the sea or the Malar Lake, which 

 here runs into an arm of the Baltic with considerable 

 rapidity. The heights around are all rocks covered 

 with firs ; and two sheets of water, part of the Malar 

 above, and part of sea below, are remarkable features 

 in the view. The city of Stockholm, properly so 

 called, stands on an island. The streets in it are for 

 the most part ill built and narrow ; but it contains 

 the chief public buildings, and a very noble quay of 

 hewn stone (granite) of great length, and in such deep 

 water that vessels of any burden may lie touching it. 

 The custom-house stands here, and is a large building 

 of hewn stone, with pillars at the door rather heavy, 



