The river rapidly diminished in size, until at the town it was a small stream, over which was a bridge, connecting the two parts of the place. The boats went up to the quay just below this bridge, and the students landed. Dividing into parties, they went where they pleased. Some crossed the bridge, and others went in the direction of the cathedral, which is on the left bank of the river. Dr. Winstock and Lincoln were of the latter.
"They have wide streets here," said the young captain.
"Yes; land is cheap, and they can have them as wide as they please. In all modern-built Russian cities you will find broad avenues."
"The buildings are all but one story high."
"Nearly all; and the houses are very much scattered, so that the people do not appear to be very neighborly. Large as the town seems to be, it contains only thirteen thousand inhabitants."
"The houses look very neat and nice."
"Only a few of them can be very old, for in 1827 nearly the whole city was destroyed by fire, including the university with its library, and many other public edifices. When the town was rebuilt, the people placed the houses at a considerable distance from each other, and built them but one story, because they had not the means to erect larger ones."
Passing along the street next to the river, the tourists reached an extensive square, in which there was a statue of Professor Porthan, a learned Finlander. Just beyond it was the cathedral, which is of brick, and far from elegant or imposing in its external appearance.
"This is the cradle of Christianity in Finland," said the doctor. "As Mr. Mapps told you, this town was founded by Eric of Sweden, who introduced Christianity into this region. The first bishop was located here; and in this church, for centuries, the first families were buried; and you will not only see their tombs, but also some of their bodies, if you desire."