STOCKHOLM, the capital of Sweden, is situated in the province of Upland. It derives its name from stock, "wood;" and holm, an "island;" alluding to the timber used in building the city. It is situated on a cluster of small islands, and the houses are founded upon piles. Including the two suburbs, one of which
Stockholm. stands on the peninsula of Toren, and the other in Athundria. The town is as large and populous as Bristol. Here the king usually resides, and here the estates always assemble. The island on which the greatest part of Stockholm stands, is surrounded by two branches of a river that runs with great rapidity out of the lake Mæler; and over each of these arms there is a wooden bridge: from the city, the eye is regaled with the prospect of the lake on one side, and the sea on the other. The sea-water is here potable, the freshness being owing to the great quantity which the lake discharges. The castle or palace is a spacious building, without taste or magnificence, furnishing lodging-room not only to the royal family: but likewise to the greater part of the officers belonging to the household. It likewise comprehends the national or supreme court of justice, the colleges of war, chancery, treasury, and commerce; a chapel, armoury, library, and office for the public records; but the greater number of inferior officers and servants belonging to the court, are, with the foot-guards, quartered on the burghers. The castle, and all the stately edifices in the kingdom, are covered with copper. The palace of the nobility, in which this order sits during the session of the diet, is an elegant building, adorned on the outside with marble statues and columns, and on the inside with painting and sculpture. This and three other palaces stand on the banks of the lake, and are built on the same model, so as to compose an uniform piece of architecture. The bank, built at the expence of the city, is a noble edifice, and joins with many sumptuous houses belonging to the nobility in exhibiting a splendid appearance. The houses of the burghers are generally built of brick in the city; but in the suburbs they are commonly made up of timber, and therefore very subject to conflagrations. These houses are often framed in Finland, according to the plan and dimensions prescribed: from thence they are transported in pieces to Stockholm by water, and there set up by the carpenters. These wooden habitations, if kept in proper repair, will last 30 or 40 years, and are deemed warmer, neater, and more healthy, than those of brick or stone. To prevent the danger of conflagrations, the city is divided into 12 wards. In each of these there is a master and four assistants, who forthwith repair to the place where the fire breaks out; and all porters and labourers are obliged to range themselves under the master of the ward to which they belong. A fire-watch patrols the streets by night, to give warning or assistance as it may be wanted; and a sentinel is maintained in the steeple of every church, to toll the bell on the first appearance of any such accident. The police of Stockholm is entirely subjected to the regulations of the grand governor, assisted by a deputy and bailiff of the castle. This city is the staple of Sweden, to which all the commodities of the kingdom are brought for exportation, and where almost all the imports from abroad are deposited. The port or haven formed by the lake Mæler, is large enough to contain 1000 sail of shipping; and furnished with a key or wharf about an English mile in length, to which the vessels may lie with their broadsides. The greatest inconveniences attending this situation are, the distance from the sea, which is not within less than 10
miles of the town; the want of tides; and the winding of the river, which is remarkably crooked. It opens into the Baltic; and the entrance, which is dangerous and rocky, the Swedes have secured with two small forts: within, it is perfectly safe and commodious. The northern suburbs are remarkable for the king's gardens, and for the great number of artisans who have chosen their habitations in this quarter. In the southern suburbs the Muscovite commodities are sold; and here is a magnificent exchange where the merchants daily assemble. The two warlike monarchs, Gustavus Adolphus and Charles Gustavus, are buried in chapels belonging to the church of Redderholm, which formerly belonged to the Cordeliers, and is still known by the name of Cloister-kirk. E. Long. 19. 30. N. Lat. 59. 20.