Sweden. 13 



of nearly 360 species known in Britain, scarce 170 breed in the 

 country, whereas, out of 300 Scandinavian species, above 230 breed 

 in the north. 



With regard to the Danish fauna, it may be regarded as inter- 

 mediate between that of Great Britain and the north of Europe ; 

 but fewer birds breed there in proportion than in either Sweden or 

 Norway or Great Britain. The climate and general appearance of 

 the country, both in landscape and vegetation, much resemble the 

 British Isles j and I thought I never gazed upon a quieter, richer, 

 or lovelier landscape than when passing through the Belts one 

 summer a few years ago. The country is well adapted to the 

 habits of the southern warblers and many of the waders, and, 

 lying in a direct line, as it were, between Sweden and England, it 

 is more frequently visited by the rarer northern birds than the 

 latter country. The south of Denmark is highly cultivated, and 

 the whole country has a far more pastoral appearance than the 

 opposite shores of Sweden. In the north of Zealand, however, 

 are miles of barren moorland, which, without possessing the rich 

 appearance of the bonnte purple heather of Scotland, are well 

 adapted to the habits of the curlew, golden plover, and many other 

 birds which frequent the British moors. The country, however, is 

 level, and we never, therefore, meet with either species of a 

 ptarmigan peculiar to the northern fells j and the absence of the 

 Swedish pine-forests renders it an unfitting residence for the larger 

 owls and such other species of birds as are peculiar to the forest 

 tracks of Sweden and Norway. That noblest of all game birds, 

 the capercailzie, is unknown in Denmark, and the blackcock is 

 rare ; otherwise the Danish fauna much resembles that of the south 

 of Sweden, from which it is only separated by the Sound, a channel 

 some few English miles broad. There are no rivers to speak of in 

 Denmark, but large ponds,well stocked with the common fresh- water 

 fish. However much the agriculturist may long to linger among 

 the neat pastures of the Danish farmers, it is no country for the 

 naturalist or sportman, who will eagerly hasten on to wilder and 

 Jess-inhabited districts. 



