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136
COPENHAGEN.
Chap. IX.
Holstein Ledreborg, is preserved the Museum of Natural
History, now about to be joined with that of the
University. The collection of Northern birds, of the various
species of the grouse tribe, in their summer and winter
plumage, as well as the ducks from the islands, are
interesting to the sportsman or one learned in
ornithology.
Let us now return to the Bourse. Stop first and
admire its graceful twisted spire, unique in Europe.
Tradition relates how Christian brought over—some say
the four dragons, others the stone ornamental copings
of the building, from Calmar: but tradition is apt to
embellish, and I am always sceptical as regards Danish
legends about Swedish affairs, and vice versa. The
building, however, is a glorious memento of the era of
Christian IV.* Well did that monarch understand the
style of architecture adapted to the climate of his
country; he built for posterity, and his works have
lasted, and will last for ages to come, when those of
more modern architects have long since passed away.
But before we enter, notice how well the spire of St.
Saviour’s, with its twining external staircase, stands out
in the background of Christianshavn. The Exchange
was purchased in 1858 from the Government by the
merchants of Copenhagen, with the express condition
that they should place it in a thorough state of repair
and never make any alteration which should detract
from the character of the edifice; and well they have
redeemed their pledge. The great hall has been
admirably restored in the style of the period; over the
fireplace stands a bronze statue of King Christian him-
* It was founded in 1624.
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