Finland

1694. The great historical, geographical and poetical dictionary by Louis Moreri.

Finland, Lat. Finnia, and Finnonia, a large Country of Sweden, with the Title of a Dukedom, formerly the Portion allotted for the Maintenance of the Kings Sons. It lies between the Gulph of Bothnia to the West, Laponia to the North, and the Gulph of Finland to the South. It comprehends 6 Provinces, Cajania and Finland, upon the Gulph of Bothnia; Niland and Carelia, upon that of Finland; Kexholm, towards the Lakes Ladoga and Onega; Savalos and Tavasthus, in the Middle of the Country. The Country is Fertile, abounding in Corn and Pasturage; and there are in it two Towns of some Note, Abo, a Bishop's See; and Vibourgh, a Town of Trade, seated at the bottom of the Finnick Gulph. This Kingdom was first Conquer'd to the Crown of Sweden, in 1384. by Erick, one of their Kings. In 1571. the Muscovites intending a Conquest, fell into it with a Savageness and Cruelty, hard to be express'd or believ'd; but were recall'd, by an Irruption of the Tartars into their own Country. Cluverius saith, That it is a considerable Part of the Kingdom of Sweden, and that it's very Fruitful, and affords excellent Pasturage. Cluverius, Munster.