among the rocks.

[Illustration: COAST OF NORWAY.]

Touching at the picturesque little town of Horten on the left, we
discharged some passengers and took in others, after which we
proceeded without farther incident to the town of Drobak on the right.
Here the Fjord is narrow, presenting something the appearance of a
river. A group of fortifications on the cliffs protects this
passage. The view on leaving Drobak is inexpressibly beautiful. The
Fjord widens gradually till it assumes the form of an immense lake,
the shores of which rise abruptly from the water, covered with forests
of pine. Moss-covered rocks, green wooded islands, and innumerable
fishing-craft, give variety and animation to the scene. Range upon
range of wild and rugged mountains extend back through the dim
distance on either side till their vague and fanciful outlines are
mingled with the clouds. Nothing can exceed the richness and beauty of
the atmospheric tints. A golden glow, mingled with deep shades of
purple, illuminates the sky. In the distance the snowy peaks of the
vast interior ranges of mountains glisten in the evening sun. The deep
green of the foliage which decks the islands and promontories of the
Fjord casts its reflected hues upon the surface of the sleeping
waters. In the valleys, which from time to time open out as we sweep
along on our way, rich yellow fields of grain make a brilliant and
striking contrast to the sombre tints of the pine forests in the rear.

It was long after sunset, but still light enough to enjoy all the
beauties of the Fjord, when we saw before us the numerous and
picturesque villas that adorn the neighborhood of Christiania. Passing
the fine old castle of Aggershuus on the left, we rounded a point, and
then came in full view of the town and harbor.

Surely there is nothing like this in the whole world, I thought, as I
gazed for the first time upon this charming scene. The strange
old-fashioned buildings, the castle, the palace on the hill-top, the
shipping at the wharves, the gardens on every slope, the varied
outlines of the neighboring cliffs and hills, covered with groves and
green slopes of rich sward; every nook glimmering with beautiful
villas; the whole reflected in the glowing waters that sweep through
the maze of islands and headlands in every direction; can there be any
thing more beautiful in all the world?

[Illustration: THE ISLANDS.]

The steamer was soon hauled alongside the wharf, where a