Vlll PREFACE. 



disease with which it has pleased Providence to afflict this 

 country at the present time. The subject may not be 

 considered germain to this work; but I have thought it 

 right to introduce it, as well because some useful information 

 may be gathered from it, as to show the imminent danger 

 to which a town is exposed as was the case with Gothen- 

 burg when timely preparations are not made to meet the 

 fearful enemy. 



Other chapters record the more striking events in the 

 early life of the great Gustavus Vasa. The subject-matter 

 has been partly gleaned from traditions picked up during 

 my wanderings in the Dalecarlian forests the scene of 

 many of his most perilous adventures. I venture to hope 

 that these chapters will repay the trouble of perusal. 



In composing these volumes I have drawn largely from 

 the writings of Swedish naturalists and others ; more 

 especially from the Tidskrift for Jag are och Naturf or share, 

 or the Sportsman's and Naturalist's Journal, a publication to 

 which some of the first people in Sweden, as well in regard 

 to talents, as station, were contributors under their own 

 name. 



At times the obligation is duly acknowledged, but not 

 always so ; as well for the reason that constant references 

 spoil the thread of the story, as that my own observations 

 are so frequently mixed up with matter thus derived, that 

 quotation would be difficult if not impossible. 



In conclusion. It was my intention to have introduced 

 into these pages many of the superstitious and legendary 



