Prof. Hausmann'*s Sketches of' SoutJi European Nature. 331 



livation of rice, which is entirely dependent on the arrangements 

 for that irrigation. In order to preserve the necessary degree 

 of dampness in the atmosphere, the fields are surrounded by 

 high trees, whose stems support ivy and the vine. 



Wiiile the great extent of well cultivated land, the careful 

 husbandry, and the enlightened institutions for the promotion of 

 tillage and pasture in the valley of the Po, unite to make an 

 agreeable impression, still the whole exhibits a monotonous cha- 

 racter. But this sameness in the physiognomy of the country 

 is lessened, the nearer we approach the mountains ; and when 

 we have reached the valleys which open out of the Alps, we are 

 captivated by the greatest and most varied natural beauties. 



At the outlet of some of those Alpine valleys the streams be- 

 come expanded into lakes, which indescribably increase the at- 

 tractions of the scenery. At the lakes of Maggiore, Lugano, 

 and Como, Nature exhibits a grandeur, a fertility, and a cheer- 

 fulness, that perhaps do not, in an equal degree, exist together 

 in any other European country. Steep mountain walls reflect 

 the rays of the sun, which enter uninterrupted from the open- 

 ings of the valleys, being directed to the south. Yet the tem- 

 perature, increased by the above means, is moderated by the 

 cool breeze from the neighbouring high mountains. The vine 

 overhangs the blue watery mirror, and chestnut trees cast their 

 shadows along the base of the surrounding mountains. The 

 laurel indicates the neighbourhood of the evergreen vegetation 

 4hat particularly characterizes the south of Europe ; and single 

 pines and cypresses announce the peculiar forms of the trees 

 which first appear more generally in middle and lower Italy. 

 Rocks tower in picturesque forms above the trees. Torrents 

 rush down from the deeply indented ravines ; and, in the back 

 ground, through the foliage of the pine-clad mountain, we see 

 here and there sparkling on high the snow-covered summit of 

 the more lofty Alps. Those districts around the lakes, with 

 their towns, villages, and country seats, would deserve to be 

 named paradisaical, were man there more in harmony with na- 

 ture. When we compare the number and condition of a great 

 part of the inhabitants of these blessed valleys, with the riches 

 and means of happiness afforded by nature, the contrast, alas ! 



