Potsdam

a summer residence of the German emperors. It is situated about seventeen miles southwest of Berlin on an island of the Havel. There are a number of lakes and canals spanned by well constructed bridges. Potsdam bears much the same relation to Berlin that Versailles holds to Paris. It was originally a Wendish fishing village. In 1660 the Great Elector chose it as the site for a palace. Frederick the Great located his palace and gardens of Sans Souci here. Successive kings of Prussia beautified the place. It is now a town, or rather a region, of extensive parks, boulevards, palaces, museums, churches, and barracks, together with residence and manufacturing sections. It has a population of about 60,000. There are several large sugar refineries and breweries. A strong garrison of soldiers is maintained. Public squares are ornamented with statues and trophies of war. Both Frederick the Great and his father were buried here. Sans Souci is a rambling, one-story palace built on an artificial terrace. It is disappointing in appearance, but it is none the less interesting as having been the home for many years of Frederick the Great. His rooms and personal belongings are preserved scrupulously in the condition in which he left them. The clock, stopped at the moment of his death, stands silent. A room once occupied by Voltaire is shown also to visitors.