TRAVELS IN S\VEDEN. 25

dashing upon the shores, when agitated by storms contend
with the billows of the ocean. The eye fruitlessly tries
over the wide expanse of its waters to catch some traces
of the opposite shore; and its extent, while it gives it fea-
tures of grandeur and even sublimity’, deprives it of the
pleasing effect to be found more frequently in the smaller
lakes. The Blalar, on the contrary, bears a greater resem-
blance to a river, and is seldom so wide, but the eye can with
ease take i11 its opposite shore, backed with forests of pine,
the dark shadows of which are finely reflected in its crystal
waters, heightened by a bluish tinge, which throws an air
of enchanting softness over the whole. W’ e halted for the
last night at Tibble, only two posts distant from Stockholm,
which we intended reaching by breakfast the next morning.
Here We still found the Malar surrounded by the same de-
lightful scenery, and glistening with the fiery rays of the
declining Sun. Setting off at an early hour, we changed
horses at Barkarby, the last stage; and passing Haga, a
summer residence of the king, at ten o'clock we entered
this northern metropolis. After partaking of a comfortable
breakfast at the hotel of the English embassy, we repaired to
apartments, which had been prepared for me in the Drott-
ningatan (Queen Street).

Visiting Stockholm, as I did, for the purpose alone of
gaining additional information respecting my route, and the
best means of accomplishing my tour to the North Cape, any
thing more than a general sketch of this city will not be

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