NOME V. PUMICE. 429 



In his visit to the little isle of Lipari, which. Pumices of 



Lipan. 



though only six miles in length and four in breadth, 

 is singularly interesting from the pumices, and 

 great variety of volcanic glasses of all kinds 

 and colours, which it contains, Spallanzani has 

 minutely described this substance ; and the spot 

 whence it is exported to all parts of Europe, as 

 it is useful in many of the arts. On such occa- 

 sions, the words of the original observer are to 

 be preferred, not only for the sake of accuracy, 

 but because the impressions of the scene are 

 best conveyed by a spectator ; not to add that 

 they diversify the style, by imparting somewhat 

 of a dramatic interest to the narrative. 



" I had now continued my tour in the b oat, Campo Bianco, 

 till I approached Campo Bianco (the White 

 Field), distant three miles from the haven of 

 Lipari, and so called because it is a lofty and 

 extensive mountain, composed entirely of white 

 pumices. When seen at a distance, it excites 

 the idea that it is covered with snow from the 

 summit to the foot. Almost all the pumices 

 that are employed for various purposes in 

 Europe, are brought from this immense mine ; 

 and Italian, French, and other vessels continual- 

 ly repair hither to take in cargoes of this com- 

 modity : the captain of the ship which had 

 brought me to Lipari, had sailed from Marseilles 



