banquet is a good library, to name all the rare books we turned over. In fact, this bibliotheque contains every early and curious edition of the most scarce and renowned works, to the number, I am told, of eighty thousand volumes.

The saloons are large and well adapted to the studious purpose to which they are assigned. In one of them stand two large chests, ironbound, sealed and strongly padlocked. They were deposited here by the will of His late Majesty Gustavus III. who ordered that they were not to be opened till fifty years after his death. Various are the conjectures on their contents. Perhaps, one sheet of paper in each, containing a suitable and wholesome reflection! In the same building is the hall for public lectures; an anatomical theatre founded by Rubeck an astronomical observatory planned by Celsius; and a botanical garden laid out by Linnæus! All, classic ground, you will say. Having enjoyed this mental treat with as much pleasure as the extreme cold would allow, at the appointed hour we returned to our friend the Archbishop, to be present at the expected ceremony.

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On re-entering the state-apartments of the palace at two o'clock, we found a great assemblage of persons. His Grace, and those to be employed in the official duties, were already habited in their religious vestments, and on the moment of commencing the sacerdotal rites. The Archbishop was apparelled in long robes of gold tissue superbly embroidered, with a jewelled mitre on his head, and a full embossed crozier in his hand. The serene expression of his countenance, and the height of his person, gave a holy command to his figure, which the magnificence of his sacred habit increased, by reminding us of the

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prophet Samuel. On a table opposite him lay a bible richly bound in crimson velvet; also the official documents of the new suffragan's dignity: the episcopal oath; and paper of reception signed by the hand of the King.

The clergyman who awaited his approaching elevation, stood in the front, to receive the investiture of his rank, as well as the righteous admonitions of his superior. After the Archbishop had most emphatically delivered a short sermon on the occasion, the oath was administered, the cross suspended by a gold chain was hung round his neck; the robe was put upon his shoulders; and then kneeling, he received the holy benediction, the crozier being at the same time placed in his hand. A few minutes of silent prayer elapsed, and the newly-invested rising, the surrounding clergy saluted him Bishop of Calmar.

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The habits of the Archbishop, of his lordship of Calmar, and of four others placed on each side of His Grace, were all magnificently splendid. Two of the four bishops were in black velvet, richly embroidered with silver; having on their breasts a triangle and glory with the Hebrew characters customary in that symbol. On their backs, the cross of Christ is wrought in silver, with the crown of thorns, &c. The rest of the consecrated assembly were surpliced in white. An hour saw the completion of the ceremony. To-morrow a dinner is to be given by the primate in honour of the new bishop; a scene which, I make no doubt, will present as much food for the mind, as for the palate. I know not exactly how many of the holy college I shall see ; but I am told that thirteen bishops now form the number which hold that dignity in Sweden; formerly there were no more than six, The

archbishop of course takes precedence of them all, having besides the subordinate classes of the clergy under his sacred crozier.

Being, as it appears, on consecrated ground, you shall hear more from me on similar subjects to-morrow; meanwhile, sharing the good archbishop's blessing with you, I commit you to heaven, and remain ever your faithful friend.

LETTER XL.

Upsal, March, 1808.

UR morning's walk was to the cathedral. Its architecture is Gothic, but spoiled by the materials of which it is built, being merely brick of a very bad colour. From this cause its outward ornaments are few, having none but on the entrances, which are composed of stone. The great front is flanked with two towers, formerly surmounted by spires ; another was elevated from the centre of the church, when a fire happening by some unexplained accident, burnt them all three; and in their stead a set of brick lanterns are erected, of an awkward Roman architecture ; thus, as we too often do in our country, ruining both styles by so preposterous a union.

The age of the cathedral is not ascertained precisely. It is generally supposed to have had its first stone laid by Charles the Seventh, (called by the Swedes Carl Suerkerson), in the year 1162; and it is very probable, for he was not only an excellent Prince, but very eminent for public acts of piety. He entombed his predecessor the pious Eric the Ninth in this church; and to give all ecclesiastical respect to the priesthood in his dominions, was the first who elevated the see of Upsal to the archiepiscopal dignity. For this purpose he obtained a bull from Pope Alexander III., who consecrated Stephanus archbishop of Upsal.