2O TRAVELS IN SWEDEN.

Near Bodarne a small cross by the road-side com-
memorates, according to ancient tradition, as we were in-
formed, the circumstance of a queen of Sweden, while tra-
velling, being delivered of an infant on this very spot. ‘Ve
met here a singular eavalcade of about 200 sailors in little
carts, with their ofiicers at their head, proceeding to Gothen-
burgh to join their ship. They were all young men, and
appeared remarkably neat and well dressed. Between Bo-
darne and Orebro extensive lakes continually burst upon
the view, and diversify the scenery. A stranger, in travelling
through Sweden, is struck at the amazing number of them;
but when the nature of the country is considered, and the
causes which give rise to their formation, his surprise will
be considerably diminished. One great source of their exist-
ence will be found in the burning and clearing of large
tracts of forest. lVhen this takes place, xvithout employing the
la11d in agriculture, or draining it afterwards, which is seldom
done, a deep morass is formed by degrees, particularly if
the situation be low. The moisture, which before was ab-
sorbed by the numerous roots and fibres ‘ of the fir running
along the surface, now becomes stagnant, unable to pene-
trate far on account of the rock, or having any means of
draining itself away. The consequence is, a deep and im-
passable morass first forms itself; the next heavy rains add
to it; and the sudden melting of the snow converts it into a
lake, which gradually enlarges itself; while the higher parts
remain uncovered, and form the numberless small islands