the capital of the kingdom of Denmark, situated on the eastern shore of the island of Zealand, upon a fine bay of the Baltic sea, not far This city is neither very large nor very ancient. The precise date of its foundation is disputed; but the most probable account is, that it took its rise from a castle built on the spot in the year 1168, by archbishop Wide, as a protection against the pirates which at that time swarmed in the Baltic. The convenience of the situation, and the security afforded by the castle, soon induced a number of the inhabitants of Zealand to resort thither; so that at length it became a fine city, and the capital of the kingdom. According to Molefworth, it approaches nearly to the size of Bristol. The walls in his time inclosed a great deal more ground than was occupied by the houses; but as in his time they were daily increasing, it is probable that now the vacant space is in a great measure filled up. Its advantageous situation for trade, and the excellency of its harbour, are not to be surpassed; and were Copenhagen a free port, there is no doubt but it would soon become the emporium of the commerce into the Baltic. The harbour is surrounded by the fortifications of the town; and the entrance is so narrow, that only one ship can enter at a time. In the night-time this entrance is shut up by a strong boom laid across. The paling is defended on the one side by the cannon of the citadel, and on the other by a strong block-house, well mounted with heavy artillery. The whole haven is capable of containing 500 sail of large ships. It is inclosed by a wooden gallery, close to which every ship has her appointed station; a circumstance that adds greatly to the beauty and convenience of the scene, than which nothing can be more rich and regular, when a number of shipping happen to lie in the port.

The city is strong both by nature and art; the situation being marshy, deep canals cut all round, and the fortifications executed agreeable to the best modern improvements; but the works are chiefly composed of turf and earth. Experience has shewn its strength; it having sustained two remarkable sieges against a fine Swedish army, flushed with victory, and headed by the most magnanimous princes of the age. It is probable, indeed, from these instances, that an enemy may carry on their approaches more easily in winter than in summer, the dykes being then covered over with ice, upon which the Swedish army marched. Its security, however, in this particular, consists in the impossibility of an army's keeping the field long amidst the rigorous winters of all northern climates. The buildings of the town are in general mean and despisable; even the king's palace is surpassed by the houses of private gentlemen in other countries. There are, however, a few good buildings, as the change, arsenal, and observatory, erected by order of that excellent prince Christian IV. to whom almost all the decorations of Copenhagen are owing. What adds greatly to the convenience of the city is the neighbourhood of the little island of Finnack, or rather Amack, joined to it by a bridge. From this place the markets of the city are supplied with fowl, beef, mutton, venison, corn, and culinary vegetables, which are produced here in the greatest abundance.