CHAPTER VI 
RESIDENCE ABROAD—RETURN TO SWEDEN 
(APRIL, 1735—JUNE, 1738 ) 
At that time Helsingor was the central point for 
Scandinavian transit outwards. This took place 
exclusively by sailing boats, and as the traffic could 
not be regulated as are modern tourist passages, it was 
necessary to take advantage of any vessel sailing to 
the desired port of arrival. In this respect Helsingor 
offered the best opportunities, as all sailing craft had 
to call there for the local customs. 
To await events Linnaeus and his companion took 
lodgings for several days. They employed their time 
in seeing the town and environs, having as guide the 
Swedish Consul Slyter. A few plants were noted, 
but in other respects there was nothing noteworthy. 
The town, though well built, had houses of brick- 
nogging with tiled roofs and pumps everywhere. 
They particularly noticed the soldiers in red uniform. 
Linnaeus was least pleased with the inhabitants, and 
recalling the kindness and generosity enjoyed in 
Norway, he recorded that the people here were 
entirely different from those in the north. 
Their intention was to sail direct to Holland, but 
hearing of no yessel bound thither the plan had to be 
altered. Both travellers eventually embarked on the 
Liibeck “ The Travelling Tobias/’ which with sixty 
other vessels of different nationalities was waiting for 
a favourable wind. The food was worse than in the 
town, though as costly. Rye bread as white as wheat 
bread and chestnuts were good, and they had porridge 
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