File:View from Holman (JW Edy plate 48).jpg

The spot where this view was taken, is called Holman, situated on the road from Christiania to Bogstad, in a vast valley, flanked by a noble amphitheatre of woody mountains, one of which has on its summit a spacious lake. In the picture, looking over some cultivated land, is seen the farm-house, which gives name to the place. From it the vale gradually descends to the margin of Christiania Fiord. Here a small island or isthmus presents itself, on which the summer residences of the Governor and Commandant are seen. The houses are ample and convenient, particularly that of the former, who has also employed much skill and labour in laying out the gardens, and in planting all that would grow on so sterile a soil, its base being the schistus niger, or black slate, which is seen on the walks. At the end of one avenue is an obelisk, inscribed to the memory of a departed friend, a species of decoration which is very general in the gardens of the nobility and gentry of Norway and Denmark: the view includes a vast extent of the Fiord, stretching on the right side nearly to the town of Drobak, a course which the ships take on their voyage to and from Christiania, situated on this shore to the left, above the Crown Islands. The hills on the left, in the extreme distance, are at the bottom of a beautiful and extensive bay, near Aas, which is navigable for ships, and where some cargoes are collected. The hills on each side, are covered with trees to the water's edge; this is also the case on the middle land, but its interior is more occupied by farms and cultivated grounds. The hills and rocks are of no great altitude on the shores of the Fiord, except near Christiania and Drobak. The scenery about Holman, in feature and colouring, much resembles that of Claude le Lorrain's finest Italian pictures. After so brief a description of this beautiful region, it may be added that General Peder Anker, selected it as the site of a splendid mansion, which his refined taste, and excellent judgment, have made the seat of the muses. The house with its portico, has the air of a Roman villa: within the spacious rooms, are seen many fine Italian pictures and prints ; among the latter, I observed a choice set of Hogarth's works. Books, philosophical and musical instruments, with other aids to science, complete the range of intellectual resources in this elegant retreat. The gardens are tastefully laid out in the English style; the shrubberies are planted with specimens of every species of tree and shrub indigenous to Norway. Near the lake, is erected an exact model of an ancient Norwegian dwelling, on the sides of its large room, are inscribed several hundred names, (each with its date and address) of former visitors to Bogstad; among them are the names of kings, princes, dukes, lords, ladies, and of many scientific and eminent persons of both sexes, written in pencil, with their own hands. On adding my own, I perceived that of Mary Wolstencraft not very distant. This mansion is situated in the bosom of the amphitheatre of hills, at the head of the valley mentioned above, and is distant 12 English miles from Christiania. The lofty mountainous scenery around, being covered with the evergreen firs, presents the most romantic and beautiful views imaginable.