302 Ten Years in Sweden. 



complete convergence of the siliceous threads into brush-like 

 bundles. 



Fig. 3. Internal cast of a portion of the canal system, in a 

 decalcified specimen, showing the arborescent distribution of 

 the sarcodic prolongations which occupied it during life. 



TEN TEAES IN SWEDEN.* 



There is a manifest tendency towards an increase of commu- 

 nication and connection between England and Sweden. Its vast 

 stores of the richest and pnrest varieties of iron ore, and the ample 

 supplies of serviceable timber abounding in its extensive forests, 

 attract the notice of the speculative capitalist, who sees in them 

 important sources of wealth hitherto imperfectly developed, and 

 offering splendid prospects of profit to enterprises carried out on a 

 sufficient scale, and with adequate skill. The naturalist and the 

 sportsman find their attention turned to Sweden from the interesting 

 character and variety of its wild animals ; while the manners of the 

 people, their Protestant faith, and free political system, tend to 

 render their country an agreeable residence for English families 

 during the milder portions of the year. 



It is easy to understand why, notwithstanding the merits of the 

 people, Sweden has been somewhat slow in making the most of 

 her resources. Though a large country — nearly three times the 

 size of England and Wales — only a small part is fairly adapted to 

 agriculture, and much of the wealth in minerals and timber can 

 only become accessible through the construction of railways, the 

 improvement of river navigation, and other proceedings of a costly 

 kind. Out of 3868 Swedish square miles, which Agardth estimates 

 as the total area, lakes occupy one-eighth, or 498 Swedish square 

 miles, fells and barren plains take up 1500, forests 1623, leaving 

 only 247 for meadow and arable land. By degrees the cultivated 

 portion will, no doubt, be considerably increased, but the climate 

 opposes serious obstacles, and it is from her mines and her forests 

 that Sweden must expect to obtain the means of purchasing food 

 and comforts for her growing population. 



A really good book upon this interesting and important country 

 has been much wanted, and such a work could only be written by a 

 shrewd observer, who had domesticated himself amongst the 

 people, and become familiar, through a lengthened residence, with 

 their language, customs, habits, and resources. Such a work the 

 " Old Bushman" has produced, and we feel no hesitation in saying 

 that, for some years to come, his Ten Years in Sweden will be an 

 acknowledged authority, to which merchants, capitalists, naturalists, 



* Ten Years in Sweden; being a Description of the Landscape, Climate, 

 Domestic Life, Forests, Mines, Agriculture, Field Sports, and Fauna of Scan- 

 dinavia. By " An Old Bushman," author of " Bush "Wanderings in Australia," 

 " A Spring and Summer in Lapland," etc. G-roombridge. 



