modating
disposition. I can believe almost any thing under the sun. Giants and
genii are nothing to what my credulity is capable of; and as for
fairies and hobgoblins, I can swallow them by wholesale. There is only
one thing in this world that I entertain the least doubt about--the
title to my house and lot in Oakland. Upon that point I question if it
ever will be possible for human evidence to satisfy me. Three times I
paid for it, and each time every body considered it perfect except
myself. I expect daily to hear of another title, of which I trust some
enterprising gentleman in want of funds will advise me. It will be a
source of consolation to know that I was not mistaken.

Situated near the entrance of the canal, on the left bank, is the
beautiful little town of Soderkoping, celebrated for its mineral
springs, to which the people of Stockholm resort in great numbers
during the summer for health and recreation. The scene as we
approached was very pretty. Pine and oak forests cover the granite
hills for many miles around, relieved by occasional openings dotted
with villas, gardens, and farms; and the dark red wooden houses of the
town have a singularly pleasant effect glimmering in the sunbeams
through the rich masses of foliage by which they are surrounded.
Groups of visitors stood at the locks awaiting the news from the city,
or anxiously looking out for the familiar faces of relatives and
friends, while the lock-men slowly and methodically performed their
accustomed routine of labors. Soderkoping is a very ancient town, and
in former times enjoyed considerable importance as a mart of commerce.
Passing through a narrow stretch of canal, some miles in length,
overhung by trees and rocks on the right, and affording some pleasant
views of the rich valley to the left, the banks gradually widened till
we entered a beautiful little lake, leading, after a short passage, to
the waters of the Roxen. The narrow parts of the canal are difficult
of navigation, owing to the various turns and the solid masses of rock
through which it is cut; and the steamer sometimes proceeds very
slowly, carefully feeling her way along, till an open space affords an
opportunity of going ahead at a more rapid rate. In the mean time the
passengers are all out on the decks, shaded by an awning, enjoying
themselves in the most unceremonious manner, laughing and talking in
groups, sipping their coffee, or promenading up and down to enjoy the
sweet-