the capital of Sweden, is situated in the province of Upland, in E. Long. 19. 30. and N. Lat. 59. 20. Its foundation is by the best Swedish writers generally attributed to Birger Jarl, regent of the kingdom about the middle of the 13th century during the minority of his son Waldemar, who had been raised to the throne by the states of the kingdom; but it was not before the 18th century that the royal residence was transferred from Upsala to this city.

This capital, which is very long and irregular, occupies, beside two peninsulas, seven small rocky islands, scattered in the Maeler, in the streams which issue from that lake, and in a bay of the gulf of Bothnia. A variety of contrasted and enchanting views are formed by numberless rocks of granite rising boldly from the surface of the water, partly bare and craggy, partly dotted with houses, or feathered with wood. The harbour is an inlet of the Baltic: the water is clear as crystal, and of such depth that ships of the largest burthen can approach the quay, which is of considerable breadth, and lined with spacious buildings and warehouses. At the extremity of the harbour several streets rise one above another in the form of an amphitheatre; and the palace, a magnificent building, crowns the summit. Towards the sea, about two or three miles from the town, the harbour is contracted into a narrow strait, and, winding among high rocks, disappears from the sight; and the prospect is terminated by distant hills, overspread with forests. It is far beyond the power of words, or of the pencil, to delineate these singular views. The central island, from which the city derives its name, and the Ritterholm, are the handsomest parts of the town. Excepting in the suburbs, where the houses are of wood painted red, the generality of the buildings are of stone, or brick stuccoed white. The royal palace, which stands in the centre of Stockholm, and upon the highest spot of ground, was begun by Charles XI.: it is a large quadrangular stone edifice, and the style of architecture is both elegant and magnificent.

It is the habitation not only of the royal family, but also of 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 cattle, 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 expense 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: whence 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 cattle. This city is the emporium 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 Maeler 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. Stockholm, dious. 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 Mufcovite commodities are fold; and here is a magnificent exchange where the merchants daily assemble. Population 80,000.