NORWAY. &3 



curiosities of Norway. It is caused by a furious current which runs 

 among the Loffbden isles, particularly between the island of Moskoe 

 and the point of Moskoenas, where its violence is greatest, flowing, 

 contrary to the motion of the tide, in a kind of circular stream. 

 Twice in twenty-four hours, at the turn of ebb and tide, the current 

 ceases, and the water is calm during almost an hour, after which it 

 gradually increases, till it becomes tremendous, and roars with a noise 

 unequalled by the loudest cataracts. It is heard at the distance of 

 many leagues, and forms a vortex of great extent and depth, so vio- 

 lent, that if a ship comes near it, it is immediately drawn irresistibly 

 into the whirl, and there disappears, being absorbed and carried down 

 to the bottom in a moment, where it is dashed to pieces against the 

 rocks ; and when the water becomes again still, rises in scattered 

 fragments, scarcely to be known for the parts of a ship. In the time 

 of its greatest violence, the danger of its influence is said to extend 

 to the distance of eight, or even twelve English miles from its centre. 

 Whales, and other animals which happen to be caught by ttiis dread- 

 ful whirlpool, are said to show themselves sensible of their approach- 

 ing destruction by their hideous bellowings, and desperate but inef- 

 fectual struggles to escape. 



Population. ...In 1809 the population of Norway was estimated, by 

 Hassel, to amount to about 9 12,000. By the census of 1802, it amount- 

 ed to 910.074. 



National character, manners. ...The Norwegians in general are 

 strong, robust, and brave ; but quick in resenting real or supposed 

 injuries. The women are handsome and courteous ; and the Nor- 

 wegian modes of living greatly resemble those of the Saxon ances- 

 tors of the present English. Every inhabitant is an artisan, and sup- 

 plies his family in all its necessaries with his own manufactures ; so 

 that in Norway there are few who are by profession hatters, shoe- 

 makers, tailors, tanners, weavers, carpenters, smiths or joiners. They 

 often mix with oat-meal the bark of the fir, made into a kind of 

 flour; and they are reduced to very extraordinary shifts for supply- 

 ing the place of bread or farinaceous food. The middling Norwe- 

 gians lead that kind of life which we may say is furnished with plenty; 

 but they are neither fond of luxury, nor do they dread penury : and 

 this middle state prolongs their lives surprisingly. Though their 

 dress is in many respects accommodated to their climate, yet, by 

 custom, instead of guarding against the inclemency of the weather, 

 they outbrave it ; for they expose themselves to cold, without any 

 covering upon their breasts or necks. A Norwegian of a hundred 

 years of age, is not accounted past his labour; and, in 1733, four 

 couples were married, and danced before his Danish majesty, at 

 Fredericshall, whose ages when joined, exceeded 800 years. 



Cities, chief towns. ...Christiania is accounted the capitalof Nor- 

 way, because it is the seat of the supreme court of justice. It is 

 situate about thirty English miles from the- sea, in a large and plea- 

 sant valley, and is the handsomest town in the country. It contains 

 about 9000 inhabitants. Bergen is much the largest and most com- 

 mercial town in Norway, containing nearly 20,000 inhabitants. It is 

 principally built of wood, and has suffered by repeated fires; during 

 one of which, in 1771, the flames, it is said, were visible, or at least 

 their reflection in the clouds, in the isles of Shetland. Drontheim, 

 the capital of the diocese or province of the same name, contains 

 about 8000 inhabitants. 



