the Earl of Elgin's Pursuits in Greece. 257 



to its zenith under Pericles ; and, from thence, through all 

 Us degradations, to the dark ages of the Lower Empire. 



"At a convent calltd Daphne, ahout half way between 

 Athens and Eleusid, were the remains of an Ionic temple 

 of Venus, equally remarkable for the brilliancv of the mar- 

 ble, ihe bold stvle of the ornaments, the delicacy with which 

 they are finished, and their high preservation. Lord Elgin 

 procured from thence two of the capitals, a whole fluted 

 column, and a base. 



" Lord Elgin was indebted chiefly to the friendship of the 

 captain pacha for the good fortune of nrocuring, while at 

 the Dardanelles, in his way to Conslanlinople, the cele- 

 brated Boustrophedon inscription from the promontory of 

 Sigffium, a monument which several ambassadors from 

 Christian powers to the Porte, and even Louis XIV. in the 

 height of his power, had ineffectually endeavoured to obtain." 

 By the aid of this valuable acquisition, " lord Elgin's col- 

 Jection of inscriptions comprehends specimens of every re- 

 markable peculiarity in the variations of the Greek alpha- 

 bet, throughout the most interesting period of Grecian his- 

 tory. 



"A few bronzes, cameos, and intaglios, were also procured; 

 in particular, a cameo of verv exquisite beauty, in perfect 

 preservation, and of a peculiarly fine stone: it represents a 

 female centaur suckling a young one. Lord Elgin was 

 equally fortunate in forming a collection of Greek medals, 

 among which are several that are very rare; others of much 

 historical merit ; and many most admirable specimens of 

 art." 



From different sources, particularly from various religious 

 establishments in Greece, a great many MSS. have been 

 brought home, and a particular catalogue and description 

 of such as were left behind, 



" In proportion as lord Elgin's plan advanced, and the 

 means accumulated in his hands towards aft'ordins; an accu- 

 rate knowledge of the works of architecture and sculpture 

 in Athens and in Greece, it became a subject of anxious 

 inquiry with him, in what way the greatest degree of bene- 

 fit could be derived to tlie arts from what he had been so 

 fortunate as to procure." 



The architectural works of course must be engraved — 

 and arrangements are suggested for bringing them, in point 

 of expense, within the means of professional men. 



"More difficulty occurred in forming a plan for deriving 



the utmost advantage from the marbles and casts. Lord 



Elgin's first attempt was to have the statues and bas-reliefs 



V'ol. 38. No. 1G2. Oc/. 1811. R restored; 



