Herculaneum and Pompeii

Of the vast wonders I would desire to be silent, greatly fearing my narrative may detract from, rather than add to, the interest already created in your mind by the accounts you may have read. I was prepared for a gigantic wonder; but the actual sight far exceeded my anticipation. Not only have the streets been rescued from their volcanic tomb, but the very ruts formed by the carriages appear quite fresh, and most of the external walls are as upright as if they had just been built. The Frescos also remain in a most admirable state, but the best have been removed to the Museo Borbonico from which a complete history of the manners and customs of the Pompeians might be written. With these remarks upon this wonderful ruin I shall leave you to your own readings and imagination. We spent about five hours in its

examination, and then, after making a detour by Castellamre, where we dined, returned to Naples. I went to Herculanium by the railway from Naples. The principle wonder there is an immense amphitheater, which was discovered buried in lava, as hard as granite, whilst digging for a well. On the ceiling of a chamber underneath I saw the exact impression of a marble statue, which had been removed, washed down, and there rested by the volcanic torrent. In another part of the ruin, the streets and houses, prison-walls and bars, may be seen as at Pompeii; and at the edge of a well the marks formed by the cords or chains in pulling up the buckets remain to this day. During the time of its destruction, lava must have descended from Vesuvius in a perfectly liquid state, as the lowest cellars are frequently as neatly filled as if the lava had been chiselled [chiseled] for the purpose. A visit to these buried cities cannot fail to suggest the most solemn reflections. O race of man! what awful materials for a chapter in the history of the Providence of God.-Scamper through Italy.