many and France. A
gentleman is generally regarded as a ferocious cannibal, ready
without the slightest provocation to devour and swallow up
defenseless maidens. The married ladies are free and easy enough,
having discovered probably that men are not half so dangerous as they
are reported to be. But, all things considered, the Swedish ladies are
exceedingly polite and affable, and on occasions of this kind seem
well disposed toward our rapacious sex.

The next important point in our route was the fortress of Wanas, which
commands the channel entering the lake on the eastern side. This is
considered a work of great importance in view of invasion by any
foreign power. We did not stop long enough to examine it in detail,
merely touching to put the mail ashore and take in a few passengers.
Leaving the Wettern Lake, our route lay through a series of smaller
lakes, beautifully diversified with wood-covered islands, till we
entered the Viken, another magnificent stretch of water of less extent
than the Wettern, but still more beautiful than any we had yet seen.
Here the rocks and islands are innumerable, rising from the water in
every direction; the smaller ones covered with moss, lichens,
shrubbery, and flowers; and the larger darkened with a dense growth of
fir, pine, and other evergreens, while the oak, elm, and ash
occasionally enliven the masses of shade with their more lively
foliage.

At the end of the Viken, which is some fifteen miles in length, the
West Gotha Canal commences, and continues through a rich and beautiful
farming country to the waters of the great Wenern Lake, some twenty
miles distant. The passage through this portion of the route is less
interesting than others through which we had passed--so far, at least,
as the scenery is concerned. The country is undulating, but not
sufficiently diversified for fine scenic effects. Farms and meadows
extend nearly all the way to the shores of the Wenern; and the canal
passes at frequent intervals through farming districts, which, in
point of cultivation, are quite equal to any thing I had seen in more
southern parts of Europe. The peasants' houses along the route are
neat and comfortable, and reminded me occasionally of our New England
farm-houses. Villages enliven the route at intervals of a few miles,
but generally they are of inconsiderable size, and may properly be
regarded as mere gatherings of farm-houses around the nucleus of a
church or post station. In t