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met and covered, like our pantaloons, by the tops of yellow Turkey-leather buskins. The tunic is open at the bosom to display the silk vest beneath, and edged throughout with fur, sometimes with ermine. The shirt collar should be open, or confined only by a single button. A neck handkerchief, however, is now usually added Without doors, a roundish cap of some gay coloured leather is worn, ornamented with fur. The head is shaved with the exception only of a circular patch of short hair, about three or four inches in diameter. Whiskers also, and a sabre, as a mark of nobility, are essential to complete the costume, but the latter is discontinued. When on horseback, the Polish noble has a sumptuous mantle thrown over his shoulders.

This dress is undoubtedly grand and picturesque, but more showy than useful. No dress can be founded on a just taste which does not join convenience to elegance. It is now very generally laid aside. The Poles have adopted the English fashions in this, and in some other particulars. But there is rarely any considerable party without the presence of several persons in the ancient national costume. These instances are almost always found among elderly men, and those too not of the first consequence. I do not recollect more than a single instance of a young person, in genteel company, thus habited. The old farmers retain the ancient custom; the young ones have abandoned it.

In winter the Poles formerly wore sables, the skins of tygers and leopards, &c. also velvets

This prac

lined with wool and edged with fur. tice is not wholly discontinued, but their ordinary cloths are now more commonly lined with wool, or rather with prepared sheep-skin; so that a Polish gentleman may walk or ride out apparently only in a sort of shooting jacket and boots, tho' the first would be lined with sheep-skin, and the last perhaps with wolf-skin, the hair turned towards the leg. The only apparent difference from the dress of an Englishman would consist in the furred or velvet cap, lined also with sheepskin. If a person goes out during the severity of the frost without one of these caps, he is liable to a headache so tremendous as scarcely to be borne. The Poles speak of it with horror. I have been so imprudent more than once, to walk out only with an ordinary hat; and though I did not feel in consequence a headache of the violence described, I yet felt enough to be convinced that the warning which had been given me was not without reason. The gloves are also lined with

fur.

During the summer the redingote is worn by most persons not of the first rank. This word is evidently borrowed from the English riding-coat, It is the common surtout, or upper-coat, and is worn without any other under it. Within door, it is the ordinary coat also in winter.

The chief peculiarity in the dress of the ladies is, in winter, a large silk pelisse, lined or rather padded with wool, and often edged with fur. This is used only when they go into the open air. In general, their dress differs little or nothing from that of English or French ladies.

A TOUR IN ZEALAND IN THE YEAR 1802.
BY A NATIVE OF DENMARK.

I HAD Contracted an intimacy with a young gentleman at Copenhagen, who came from Norway, to enter himself a student at our university; and we proposed, in the summer of 1802, to make an excursion into the country. We set off in the month of June, by the western gate, close without which a glorious monument stands on the high road, in commemoration of the emancipation of the peasants.

assumes an appearance which, encouraged, will rival in taste and natural beauties, the first cities of the world.

As soon as the gates are opened on Sunday afternoon (they are always shut during divine service), immense crowds flock along this road. The avenue fills with company, who ramble to the Royal Gardens, or the village, where the ear is entertained with music from every quarter. Mirth and festivity are universal, and good order pervades the whole.

The road, on either side, leads to large, handsome, and even magnificent houses. At some little distance from the monument it branches We entered the gardens, and passed some into an avenue on the right, composed of six re. agreeable hours in viewing the different improvegular rows of lofty lime trees. These lead to ments. They are not, however, equally deserving Fredericksberg, over fertile and highly cultivated commendation, particularly the canal and waterfields, many of which have latterly been meta-fall; but the grotto, which embowers the spring, morphosed into gardens, surrounding elegant and and the singularly beautiful serpentine walks Sanciful villas, Thus, this delightful avenue which conduct you, as it were, through irregular

paths of uncultivated nature, deserve particular || tends all this prince's actions has established his notice.

The palace stands on a beautiful eminence, and forms a coup d'ail particularly attractive. Lime trees, in romantic groups, range along the declivity on the side facing the gardens, through the middle of which a rich lawn has been levelled down the slope.

The prospects from this hill are every way pleasing, but not equally striking. If the eye wanders in vain for mountains, cataracts, precipices, or cascades, the heart, at least, gratified; || it contemplates a country made fertile by the cheerful labours of an industrious peasantry.

The prospect from that side of the palace which faces Copenhagen, is most interesting.

To the left lies an avenue leading to Fredericksberg, overtopping a multitude of well contrasted houses and gardens, which extend and vanish amidst the larger edifices of the western suburb. The monument appears in the perspective.

To the right, an arm of the Baltic divides Zealand from the island of Amack, where innumerable flocks are seen to graze, giving you at once a clear idea of the industry and wealth of its inhabitants.

In the centre, Copenhagen presents itself with a degree of splendour and grandeur difficult to be described. Its numerous towers, one of which is $80 feet high, majestically rear their heads above lofty buil 'ings raised upon the ashes of that part of the city which was destroyed in 1795, which are calculated to impress the traveller with ideas of its present magnificence equal to those of former times, when the gorgeous palace of Christiansborg, and the ancient church of Saint Nicholas enriched the scene; with this essential difference, however, that formerly the attraction lay in its exterior, now it is transferred to the interior; and although the massy piles of ruins may seem to derogate from its importance, the deficiency is amply supplied by its internal beauties.

The view is enlivened by innumerable vessels passing to and from the Baltic, which lase themselves behind Copenhagen, re-appear, and glide down the Sound, between the shores of Zealand and those of Sweden; which, as well as the isle of Hveen, are visible from this hill.

The palace is not large, but it is handsome; and its delightful situation, and vicinity to the city, render it a most eligible retreat for the Prince Royal. Here, in the bosom of his family, this amiable prince reposes from the fatigues of an unremitted attention to the duties of his exalted station; while the dexterity with which he steers his bark along the dangerous shoal of politics claims the admiration of the world.

The steady adherence to his word which at

character, both as a ruler and a man, with every judicious and impartial foreigner; but with his own countrymen it has given birth to sentiments of confidence and attachment; which, co-operating with his exertions, bid fair to preserve a country whose real happiness lies in its own lap.

The Prince married Maria, daughter of Prince Charles, Stadtholder of Holstein. Several children were the fruit of their union, of whom the Princess Carolina is the only survivor. She is about ten years old, but excluded from inheriting the crown by the laws of Denmark, which confine the succession to heirs male.

Just as we were about to leave the gardens, the Prince Royal and his consort entered them, privately, to enjoy an evening's walk free from form. The interesting sight detained us some time longer, when we pursued our way towards Roeskilde Inn, eight miles distant from the metropolis. Here we sojourned for the night, and set off again at sun-rise.

Those who are acquainted with the state of this country twenty or thirty years ago, must exult at the change time has made for the better; and to those who are not, it may perhaps be interesting to know how changes so beneficial could have been produced in so short a period.

Formerly, when you met a peasant driving his waggon to market, the appearance of himself and every thing about him gave you an idea of forced obedience. Instead of alacrity, you saw sullenness on his brow; instead of the cheerful husbandman whistling with the fruits of his labour to market, you beheld a slave toiling for a merciless master. Encouraged by no one, but oppressed by many, he dragged his unwilling steps slowly along, reluctantly yielding to the strong necessity which robbed him of his best produce, to satisfy the unfeeling claims of those whose only merit was the accidental superiority of their birth; so that the fruit of his diligence was certain ruin. If he dared to remonstrate he was chastised; if his lands did not thrive he was called lazy, and turned out of the farm by the lord of the manor. If industrious, and his lands improved, he was dismissed by the lady, who always found out some deserving favourite to reap the rewards of this poor man's industry. His old age was uncheered by the fruits of those trees he had planted in his youth; and his death-bed unconsoled by the comforts he might otherwise have left his children.

Such, and numberless other abuses, at length rendered the peasant supine, spiritless, and unfit for enterprise. The gloom extended to every thing around him; the houses, land, cattle, all were tinctured with his wretchedness.

When I therefore reflect on his miserable lot,

my friend seemed little disposed to undertake that journey, we pursued the plan we originally set out with.

cannot sufficiently respect and admire those proprietors of lands whose philanthropy was roused in his behalf.-Vassalage was abolished; the lands were parcelled out in lots, upon which farm-houses were erected, and those peasants only remained in the village whose lands were contiguous. This arrangement made the peasant his own master. He could now act according to his own judgment; he had merely his own be-siderable, occupies one side of the banks, and neft to consult, not that of others.

While indulging these reflections, cheered by the smiling fertility of the surrounding country, we imperceptibly reached the valley in which Roeskilde, the most ancient town of Zealand, is situated. As it has been constantly on the decline, nothing particular can be said in its favour, except what its pleasant situation claims. It is built on a branch of the Jisefiord, the banks of which form a very striking contrast. To the left are vast forests of oak, through which, at intervals, various spires and steeples steal upon the view, and to the right lie innumerable corn fields, interspersed with insulated farms.

We entered the town, and put up at the sign of the Prince, where a cheerful looking landlady welcomed us with much good humour. Having rested a little, we walked out to view the town, and particularly the cathedral, which contains the remains of all our royal family for ages past. The building, though very extensive, has been increased by a mausoleum for the reception of future kings...

His

We beheld the resting place of Christian IV. a king who held the balance of justice in equal scales, and who consulted in all things the good of his subjects; happy in an honourable peace, but provoked by injuries, the first to meet danger in maintaining the rights of his people. virtues have procured him the surname of Great. , Having seen every thing worthy our attention, we returned to our good humoured hostess, who confirmed the favourable opinion we had previously formed of her. We were well served, charged reasonably, and left the inn highly pleased

with our entertainment.

The numerous spires of the castle of Fredericksborg now appeared in the horizon, and we mounted an eminence whence we beheld the gothic castle floating, as it were, in the lake below. The town of Hilleroed, which is small and incon

presents a very picturesque scene. There are gardens to all the houses, which slope down to the water's edge; while the other side displays corn fields in high cultivation, mingled with avenues, and closed by woods that confine the view to a very limited compass.

It being the hour for divine service, I proposed that we should go to church, and afterwards return to the castle. The church is a very neat building, and its interior presents a singular spectacle, the walls being lined with a vast number of the escutcheons of our nobility." Pray, gentlemen," civilly asked a man who concluded we were strangers, "do you wish to see our Saviour?" We thanked him, and said, "Yes." He conducted us to a heavy mass of silver, modelled in the form of Christ. "There were," continued the man "his twelve apostles, but they are gone away. When Charles IX. of Sweden, possessed himself of great part of the island, including the castle, he carried them off, saying to our Saviour, You may stay, but your disciples shall go into the world for the benefit of mankind."

From church we went to view the interior of the castle, which, however presented nothing to engage our attention, excepting the peasant maid who shewed us the apartments. Her singular dress and manners visibly interested my friend; nor was I less pleased with the fascinating simpli city of her whole appearance, so superior to the imitations of our dashing belles, who at times borrow the rustic garb, without being able to complete the metamorphosis by assuming the rustic's peculiar graces. Her petticoat was of green taffeta; a pale pink silk corset, made to her shape, displayed all the symmetry of her fine form; while a silken cap, entwined with threads of gold, sat close to her face, just permitting her features to peep forth, and express a countenance which the fancy of no painter could equal.

My

We now directed our route towards Hilleroed, a market town, famous for a castle called Fredericksborg. After having proceeded a considerable way, it occurred to me that we might, by taking the circuitous route through Horn's Her-friend asked her a very natural question; she red, have surveyed Jaegerspriis, a country seat belonging to Prince Frederick. The Prince has erected monuments in his gardens to those great men who have, in their different capacities, signalized themselves for the good and glory of their country. From that place we would have re-crossed the branch of the Jisefiord, and come to Fredericksvaerk, an extensive cannon foundry, established by the late General Classen. But, as No. XXII. Vol. III.

cast down her fine blue eyes, and with a sigh answered, she had now no friend; "he fell," said she, "last year in the battle, yet I grieve not so much for myself; he died for his country, it was a noble end,—but he might have become a firm supporter of my aged parents, if distress should ever bow them down." We noticed to her, that she had as just a claim as others to benefit by the general subscription. Her reply won my X

heart:" There are widows, orphans, and wounded enough," answered this lovely daughter of simplicity, "to share the just reward of their grateful country; my parents will soon leave this world, and honesty with industry will help me through it." Had I been a painter, the portrait of this affecting girl should have graced this page!

Fredensborg, situated on the lake of Esrom, which is one of the largest in the island, forms a very considerable village. It is surrounded by woods, and from its exquisite situation has been adorned with a royal palace, which, though at present uninhabited, ranks with the more elegant order of buildings.

We next crossed the country towards Elsinore,

Having passed two very pleasant days at Hille-which we reached at sun-set. It is impossible to roed, we proceeded to Fredensborg, taking the comprehend the beauties of this prospect on a road which winds along the remains of the fine summer's day without having seen it. We beautiful oak wood, whose foliage once hid the ascended a rising hillock, to delight our eyes with village of Groenholt. On entering this village, the charming scenery around. The town lies we observed a stork's nest on the church, which immediately beneath, and a little beyond it the we found engrossed the interest of the whole ancient castle of Cronborg. The Sound presented village. There were two birds, and the rustics || itself, covered with an immense number of shipcarefully provided them materials to build with, ping, and the shores of Sweden displayed the and guarded them from the wanton pranks of town of Helsingborg, which afforded us a most the mischievous. One of them flew over our brilliant spectacle, the sun reverberating his rays heads with food for its mate, which was perched on the windows, by which the houses assumed upon the back of the church tending her young the appearance of one continued blaze. To this brood. magnificent view, the clearness of the calm evening very materially contributed, the objects approaching nearer in semblance than in reality.

At this moment the bells of Cronborg chimed nine. The flag of the guard ship was hauled down, and a solitary shot bade farewell to the setting sun. We left our post and walked on towards the town.

The bell now struck eight, and we had a long road before us; but the evening being extremely fine, and my friend making the proposal, we determined on seeking a supper in one of the cottages. We entered beneath a neat looking roof, and having made our wishes known to a elean tidy looking woman, she gave us a hearty welcome. Every thing we saw displayed the attentive housewife, and increased our good-bustle visible in every corner of it, he would esti

will for our hostess. On an oaken table she spread a clean cloth, and served up supper, consisting of a dish of sour milk strewed with grated rye-bread and powdered sugar, bread, fresh butter, and some new-laid eggs. Appetite seasoned this simple repast.

While we sat at supper, a hale, hearty man entered the room, whom we found to be our host; and shortly after a grey headed old man joined us, he was the father of our hostess, and had been, many years since, a soldier. The veteran placed himself in a large wicker chair. Cheerfulness sat on his brow, and his old age was a perfect picture of content. He began a lively conversation, related anecdotes of the service, and dwelt with peculiar delight on the new regulations, which do away the old established custom of enlisting Germans for our army.

It was near eleven when we broke up and asked for the reckoning; but our good host could not be prevailed upon to receive any remuneration. We left the cottage highly impressed with his hospitality, and proceeded to Fredensborg, which we reached about twelve o'clock. The distance was scarcely two miles, but the night being uncommonly fine, and having, in our island, no apprehension of robbers, we indulged the scene at our leisure.

Elsinore is the second town in our island, and if the spectator were to calculate on the activity and

mate its number of inhabitants at many thousands. The fact however is, they scarcely exceed five.

It needs little penetration to discover to whom this town chiefly owes its prosperity; for, if the flag on the castle did not inform you it was Denmark, you would fancy yourself in England. This resemblance of exterior is verified with still greater exactness in the interior. Many of the inhabitants are Britons born, they naturally retain the manners and customs of their country; and those who are not, take peculiar delight in wishing to appear like Englishmen. In the summer season the liveliness and cheerfulness of this town, comparatively, far surpasses Copenhagen; but during the winter Elsinore puts on a very sombre garb, the navigation being shut up for four or five months. Yet the inhabitants are not at a loss to amuse themselves, they form clubs, give balls, and contrive to kill time. There is no regular theatre; now and then a Swedish company of itinerant players make a halt, as do the Germans, who torture us incessantly with miserable fragments of the dramatic art; but latterly, Mr. Schwartz, of the Theatre Royal at Copenhagen, has obtained a licence to perform plays in Zealand generally, and we have every thing to hope from the abilities of an actor who has long deservedly claimed the approbation of the metropolis.

the least injury from the fort was fully proved in 1801, when none of the British, except the headmost, returned the fire.

The palace of Marienlyst, belonging to the Prince Royal, but never occupied by him, stands in the suburbs. It is built on a steep hill, intersected with winding roads which reach the summit, and are neatly laid out in terraces; on one we took our seat.

In order to form a clear idea of the business transacted at Elsinore, you must repair to the bridge, which is constantly filled with merchants, clerks, and boatmen, on the look-out for every new arrival. The alacrity prevalent here is wonderful. The moment a vessel is discernible the boatmen put off, contending with each other who shall first reach the ship; but they often labour in vain, when the captain chuses to go ashore in his own boat. On his arrival at the bridge there is as much contention among the merchants to welcome him, and to entreat the management of his affairs, should he not be re-magnificent spectacle of four or five hundred commended to any particular house.

It was very much our wish to have taken a survey of Cronborg; but the late orders were so strict that it was impossible to get access to the castle. We were therefore obliged to content ourselves with admiring its noble gothic turrets, towering above the fortifications. A traveller, who visited this fort in 1793, informs us, he found the sentry boxes lying upon the ground, and the soldiers asleep in them; at the same time he observes, that he could easily take it with two sail of the line and five hundred determined men; but I will venture to aver, that the outside of the fortification is so formidable that the gentleman who made this assertion would now be as little able to take the fort as we are to prevent a fleet from passing the Sound; the breadth of which, as measured at the instance of the Royal Society of Sciences at Copenhagen, in the year 1796, is about four miles. That ships may pass without

As it is usual in times of peace for English ships to pass singly, or in small divisions, we could not expect to be gratified with a repetition of the

vessels going through the Sound at the same moment, however, we indulged the picture in miniature; fortunately, about thirty sail from the North Sea were then coming in sight. We soon distinguished a ship of war among them, which particularly drew our attention, as we knew she could not be English. With the help of a spy-glass I discovered her to be the Naiad of || thirty-six guns, from her peculiar construction. This frigate was the first ship built, in 1796, on the plan of the ingenious Captain Hohlenberg, who may very deservedly be called the restorer of our navy. Her stern, in particular, differs from all others, having neither cabin windows nor quarter galleries. There are merely two port holes abaft, glazed, to admit light. Ships of war should be planned for utility, not for the accommodation of large parties.

[To be continued.]

FAMILIAR LECTURES ON USEFUL SCIENCES.

ADJUDICATION OF PRIZES,

WITH A PROPOSED NEW QUESTION BY

THE IMPERIAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES AT ST. PETERSBURGH.

THE Imperial Academy of Sciences had, in their last public notice, proposed the prize of five hundred roubles, to be given to any professor of physic, who would establish and communicate to the academy," a series of new and instructive experiments, on light considered as matter, also on the properties which may in part be attributed to it, on the affinities which it may appear to have, either to organized, or unorganized bodies, and upon the modification and phenomena of these substances by their combination with the matter of light." The academy had declared at the same time, that in order not to confine the

I learned, who might have similar pursuits, that they contented themselves with stating the subject generally, leaving them at liberty to consider the question in any point of view, that might appear the best calculated to elucidate the access to a question so difficult.

The academy has received, within the prescribed time, six tracts on the question, each having a note sealed and a motto, viz.

No. 1. In the Russian language, with the motto 66 A philosopher who has learned to doubt, knows more than all the learned, &c." X 2

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