On such calm days I passed the time with fishing; but the fish were wise enough not to bite my hook.

I was daily anticipating a dinner of mackerel, but caught only one.
The multitude of vessels sailing into the Cattegat afforded me more amusement; I counted above seventy.

The nearer we approached the entrance of the Sound, the more imposing was the sight, and the more closely were the vessels crowded together.

Fortunately we were favoured by a bright moonlight; in a dark or stormy night we should not with the greatest precaution and skill have been able to avoid a collision.
The inhabitants of more southern regions have no idea of the extraordinary clearness and brilliancy of a northern moonlight night; it seems almost as if the moon had borrowed a portion of the sun's lustre.
I have seen splendid nights on the coast of Asia, on the Mediterranean; but here, on the shores of Scandinavia, they were lighter and brighter.
I remained on deck all night; for it pleased me to watch the forests of masts crowded together here, and endeavouring simultaneously to gain the entrance to the Sound.

I should now be able to form a tolerable idea of a fleet, for this number of ships must surely resemble a merchant-fleet.
On the twentieth day of our journey we entered the port of Helsingor.
The Sound dues have to be paid here, or, as the sailor calls it, the ship must be cleared.