ALAND THE BALTIC IN 1854. 183 



The first onward movement was made by the four 

 block-ships, which were detached from the main body 

 under Admiral Chads, to take up a position in front 

 of Bomarsuud, but beyond the reach of its guns. 

 Light steamers patrolled betwixt and around the 

 islands, to cut off reinforcements or supplies from the 

 Finnish shores. Thus the investment was effectually 

 completed. The non-arrival of transports from France, 

 with stores and materiel, caused now a short delay. 

 The interval was employed by the authorities in going 

 up and down up and down, to spy the forts hope- 

 ful, perhaps, that some weak point would disclose 

 itself ; but there they stood in their granite solidity, 

 defying reconnaissance, and inviting attack. Let us 

 follow in the wake of the officials, and have a look 

 for ourselves. On we steam from one bay into an- 

 other, then on through a narrow passage, where the 

 rocks rise darkly and precipitously on either side, 

 and the pines throw their shadows across us ; then 

 follow a thread-like line midst a mosaic- work of islets; 

 then on, on again through narrow passage and islet 

 mosaic-works alternately, until we anchor in the har- 

 bour of Bomarsund. A first glance shows how well 

 chosen the spot was as a site for the arsenals, dock- 

 yards, and garrisons of a power which aimed at con- 

 trolling and commanding the Baltic Seas. It was a 

 good fulcrum for the lever which was to lift and 

 shake the northern kingdoms. 



The harbour is snug and secure, and has the ad- 



