190 
yet seen, the Place de Perou is the finest thing by 
far ; it is a vast platform, out of one of the gates of 
the town, surrounded with a stone balustrade. From 
it you have the command of a most beautiful coun- 
try, covered with olives, studded with villas, and 
bounded by blue mountains; the Mediterranean 
Sea to the south, and beyond it in fine weather 
may be seen the Pyrenees, and on the other side 
the Alps ; no finer situation can be conceived. 
The Place is disposed in grass plats ; in the cen- 
tre is a fine equestrian statue of Louis XIV., in 
bronze, and at the side opposite the entrance an 
open temple (over a basin of water), which with the 
flights of steps leading to it are in so fine a taste, 
and so striking, that it is like a design in an opera, 
a fairy palace, or a dream of some great genius 
rarely seen on paper, and scarcely ever in reality. 
To this temple water is brought by a vast aqueduct, 
worthy of the Romans; and hence it is distributed 
into various fine marble fountains in the town. 
This Place I had often heard of, but had no con- 
ception of it till I saw it. 
We shall stay here about a week longer; then 
go to Avignon, Marseilles, &c., to Genoa. 
I am extremely obliged to you for your liberal 
provision of money. 
Believe me, honoured Sir, 
Your ever affectionate and obedient Son, 
J. E. Smiru. 
