The progress of literature in Norway, as in Denmark, was very slow till about the middle or the 18th century. Torfxus, a native of Norway, was one of the first and most distinguished native writers, and is particularly ce lebrated for his Historia Norwegiana, in which he has displayed considerable research into the ancient, history of the north. Schoening and Stroent have done much honour to their native country, the one in the civil his tory, and the other in the natural history of Norway. Vessel and "Pulin, who rank with Evald among the fa thers of the Danish poetry, were natives of Norway. One of the latter of the Norwegian writers was AI. sien, Counsellor of State, and President of the High Court of Justice in Christiania, who died in 1808, and who was much distinguished by his pleasing poetical pieces, as well as by a few dramatic productions, espe cially his comic opera of Dragedukken. The drama is, indeed, the favourite subject of the men of letters, and a theatre exists in almost every town, in which the principal persons of the place perform the part of actors for the amusement of themselves and of their fellow-citizens. They discover also a great taste for music in occasional concerts and operas.
Several learned men in Norway formed a society of the sciences at Drontheim, and their transactions, writ ten in the Danish language, contain chiefly disquisitions on natural history, physics, and agriculture. Since the year 1792, a topographical society has been instituted in Christiania, composed of Norwegians who take an intercst in opening up the knowledge of their country, and who publish a periodical work, entitled, the Topo graphical Journal of Norway, which has n considerable circulation, and is held in high repute among the sub jects of the Danish crown. There is a collection of paintings and prints at Christiania, which belonged to Chamberlain Ancker. Several of the clergy are distin guished by their scientific attainments ; and one of the most distinguished men of the present day, Provost Pihl, of Vang, is said by Von Buch to possess such a collection of astronomical instruments, as is to be found in few observatories; by mans of which he has deter mined with accuracy the situation of the eastern coast. This individual has collected a number or meteorologi cal observations, which will furnish ample data for ascer taining the climate of the north, and is celebrated for his skill in mechanics, which he applies to the useful purposes of life, as well as the construction of his phi losophical instrtunents.
In every parish there are two or three schoolmasters, according to its size, selected by the clergyman from the most learned of the peasants, and confirmed by the bishop; it is affirmed, that all the common people ale able to reacl, and most of them to write. The farmers
read the gazettes, and converse freely on political sub jects.
The national dances of Norway are different from those of Sweden. The most common are the two fol lowing : one called flailing, which resembles tumbling more than dancing, and in which the performer, stand ing upon his head, kicks his heels about in the air ; and another, called Polsk, resembling a waltz, in which the male dancers exhibit a number or lascivious attitudes.
When a marriage takes place in Norway, open house is kept to all comers for zt whole week. Every neigh bour and relation of the bride and bridegroom brings provisions as a contribution to the feast, and the new mar ried couple are expected to provide beer and brandy. When the guests take their leave, they make presents to the married pair, according to their circumstances and their consanguinity, so that generally 100, and sometimes even 300 dollars are collected for the young couple.
In the towns, a stranger is expected to leave his card with the general commandant, and with the principal people; and if he bring letters of recorwnendation. the persons to whom they are addressed conduct him round to call npon other families. After this ceremony, in vitations pour in upon him from all quarers, in a much greater number than it is possible for him to accept, and the houses are thrown open to strangers in the most ge nerous and hospitable manner.
'The natives, even of the better class, generally risc with the sun, when they take a slight breakfast. At nine they have a kind of luncheon, which they call duel. At twelve or one they cline. The dinner is followed by coffee ; and, in the evening, they drink tea, play at cards, and conclude with punch. They usually sup about ten, and do not go to bed very early. In summer the lower orders of people sit up all night, and take no sleep for a considerable time ; but very- often make Sun day their sleeping day, and during the winter season make up abundantly for their short repose in summer.
In all the parishes voluntary contributions arc made for the maintenance of the poor, every person intimat ing what sum he is willing to give yearly ; and these funds are managed by persons expressly nominated for the purpose. But beggars are very frequently met with in the towns, and are much more numerous than in Sweden.
The carriages used in Norway are very old fashion ed. Thcy resemble a sedan chair placed on two wheels, and made open in front.