This lake has two peculiarities: one being the extraordinary purity and transparency of its waters; the other, the number of storms which prevail in it.

I was told that it frequently raged and stormed on the lake while the surrounding country remained calm and free.

The storm sometimes overtakes the ship so suddenly and violently, that escape is impossible; and the sagas and fables told of the deceitful tricks of these waves are innumerable.
We fortunately escaped, and crossed its surface cheerfully and merrily.
On its shores are situated the beautiful ladies' pensionary, Wadstena, and the celebrated mountain Omberg, at whose foot a battle was fought.
The next canal is short, and leads through a lovely wood into the little lake of Norbysee.

It is customary to walk this distance, and inspect the simple monument of Count Platen, who made the plans for the locks and canals,--a lasting, colossal undertaking.

The monument is surrounded by an iron railing, and consists of a slab bearing an inscription, simply stating in Swedish his name, the date of his death, &c.