The universal geography : earth and its inhabitants

THE BALTIC ITiOVlXCES. 237capital of Esthonia, and one of the oldest places in Russia, for it already existedwhen Waldemar II. of Denmark erected a stronghold here in 1219. It standson a deep bay sheltered by islands near the north-west corner of Esthonia,Let ween the Baltic and Gulf of Finland, thanks to which position it has becomethe natural centre of several trade routes. It was one of the first Hanseatictowns in the Baltic, and during the Swedish rule was at once the chief naval,military, and trading station. At present it is the most convenient of theadvanced outlets of St. Petersburg in these waters. By means of the railway113. Kevel and Neighbourhood.Scale 1 : 630,000.KYLofGskirting the Gulf of Finland the capital is enabled to continue its import trafficin winter longer than would be possible at Kronstadt. To its custom-housesystem belongs the still more westerly Baltisch Port, now also connected withit by rail, and thanks to these advantages, as well as to its position over againstHelsingfors, capital of Finland, Revel has become the fourth largest seaport inthe empire. It is a picturesque place, still partly surrounded by its old walls,defended southwards by lakes and swamps, and adorned by some monuments ofthe Hanseatic period, notably the halls of the old working guilds. It is overlookedbv a castle and a cathedral containing the tombs of several illustrious