PLINY THE YOUNGER. 



VHJ,A IN TUSCUUJM. 



THE kind concern you expressed on hearing 

 of my design to pass the summer at my 

 villa in Tuscany, and your obliging endeavors 

 to dissuade me from going to a place which 

 you think unhealthy, are extremely pleasing 

 to me. It is quite true indeed that the air of 

 that part of Tuscany which lies towards the coast 

 is thick and unwholesome : but my house 

 stands at a good distance from the sea, under 

 one of the Apennines, which are singularly 

 healthy. But, to relieve you from all anxiety 

 on my account, I will give you a description of 

 the temperature of the climate, the situation of 

 the country, and the beauty of my villa, which, 

 I am persuaded, you will hear with as much 

 pleasure as I shall take in giving it. The air in 

 winter is sharp and frosty, so that myrtles, 



