154 VISIT TO DENMARK [1799. 



the manege and stables, which hold 100 horses ; some 

 of these, particularly the Spanish, are very fine ; but 

 we were much surprised at the very rough and bloody 

 way in which they are trained. 



The communication between the island and the 

 city is at present by two wooden bridges ; but that 

 one which leads to the palace is to be taken away, 

 and the handsome stone bridge that leads from the 

 north island to the north suburb is to be continued 

 to the palace. This bridge was built by Gustaf III. 



The Nortmalins Torg (or market-place) is a large 

 open area, in the middle of which there stands an 

 equestrian silvered bronze of Gustavus Adolphus, 

 erected by Gustavus III. On the right of it is the 

 palace of the late king's sister, the Abbess of Quidlen- 

 berg, who does not reside much here ; and opposite 

 is the opera-house. These are exactly alike, and 

 form the east and west sides of the place. They are 

 large handsome buildings, though plain, of white free- 

 stone, with pillars of an oblong form.. 



The opera-house was built by Gustavus III., and 

 has the inscription " Gustavus III. Patriis Musis!' 



In the inside it is very large and splendid ; has a 

 pit, amphitheatre, and four tiers of boxes. The band 

 is numerous, but at present there are few good singers 

 and no remarkable one. The figurantes are far su- 

 perior to those in London, but there is no very first- 

 rate dancer. However, as several of these are ex- 

 ceedingly good, and as the scenery, decorations, and, 

 above all, the number of performers, surpasses any- 



