New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-10-06

ing was an excursion in gay little steamers 10 the
peninsula of Bygdo. which Is separated from the
town by an arm of the ford We landed az the
foot Of hill below the royal castle Of Oscarshall,
whose white walls CLEAN strikingly from the dark
foliage which covers the whole peninsul9 ana
which is a conspicuous sight from almost all parts
Of Christiania The castle is not used new. for
residence, but contains good many articles when
have been presented TO recent Kings, and repays
visit by the wide view which it gives OF the Day
and the city, rs we'll as the dark wooded hills
lying beyond in every direction as far az the eye
can reach. Prince Eugene was waiting here ana
led the procession, in barouche drawn by four
horses, to the Park Of Bygdo, where, IN deep,
quiet grove is a group OF ancient wooden build
ings which have been brought together by King
Oscar from different valleys of Norway: Some
go back TO the Middle Ages, and are very interest
ing in their architecture. 1t was good idea OF
the Kings 70 save these typical structures, for
tie old buildings are fast disappointing from
day TO day. They are oiten the prop
erty of peasants who are Indifferent
TO their preservation, and old churches are
generally demolished when new ohes are built
The old wooden church lStavehrkenl OF Gol,
brought here few years ago, WIS built about
the year 200 At the time OF the Introduction
Of Christianity into Scandnavis, wood was the
only building material known, aid many OF the
forms of Romance architecture were rrproducc s
in it. The walls of this church are built OF per
pendicular planl<s. and 1t Is surrounded oy .
narrow gallery. The complicated arabesques ana
interlacing traceries on the carved wooden por-
tails are particularly natural and interesting
Perhaps the thing which pleased me most was
a sight of small American organ III Jllt III :,
which the attendant told me Was played by King
Oscar when the royal family met here for private
services There is also preserved a so-callea
smoke hons the type Of pmht, .vin ses@ro
stone hearth in the middle OF the hoor, ana
above this hole in, the roof for the passage &C., Of
smolr. more modern 1aImneuse rri t,re WIZ
sranary raised upon pillars es protecnon agdlh NJ
rats and moisture used alto as a storehouse LOT
clothing and family treasures is KEEP , IN Ius
original state and there is the Sw1ss-looKing
ITospice of Rolsted," showing beds IN winch
pilgrims were lodged. ,,..-. :.
From this place we wsllrd short distance to
the chateau of Bygdo. Konssgoard. Here inc
Kings Chamberlain. Hoist, much-decora@u,
venerable man. received the guests in the name
Of the King. and we were. served win supp tic
know very iltie aoou' n MhS but his cook is
Certainly unexceptionsble. After the supper
Madame Grondahi. one Of the bestrknown Scan
dinavian pianists and composers played upon tha
hv the confusion and irattention OF the large con
pany. The pretty gardens were lilumina.ea IS
Electric lights and culored lamps set among the
aower.beds, and when the long procession marched
down hill through the woods IT was accomph1ieu
by bands OF music and soldiers bearing torche,,
As we waited for the boats 70 JAKE og "a Us ord
nictnresnns The group of people which stood
covering the rocky hillside and the elglntlc nt
trees which lowered alott INTO me ;dyf - 3be
blazing torches. and the full moon rising over
the still waters Of tie bay. added IT. ch,rr nd
On the way back there were many nrework H. an" ~
so many small boats covered the wafer tnat "
was with difficulty that we made orr way among
them. The whola castle of OscaTshal was Out
lined ny colOred lamps. 1900. g., .
while from the stir of the city to the quiet OH
estate of Frogncr, out on the sunny sop.[t over
locking the ford and showing view OF GeN
ronoes of blue hills in The distance. There Is Il
noble cid manor-house of the early part of the
last century, with its stately drives and lawns ms
borspa long ranges of tle-roofed outbuildlngs
f tim ac T of iindens and welkept gardens Of
bright flowers. Many distinguished Ame ,,sid1,
mcitos the charm of old-world antiquity 70 tht
CHEEKY hcme-lifc of a cultured American famll :
Its owner has for many years been our honof ia
consular representative at this place; But su en-
renose is only temporary, and the call 10
ChriStiania sounds again in our ears. we are
still living in evening dress and the Consumption
of white ties and gloves is something Sd" 10 HiiR