308 THE LIFE OF JAMES D. FORBES. [CHAP. 



To the Same. 



'SAN GERMANO,'4?>7 15th. 



* ... We left Rome two days ago by the Ceprano road, 

 with a voiturier, and have been greatly repaid for this 

 deviation from the common route, as the country is ex- 

 quisitely beautiful, and the inns by no means intolerable. 

 Yesterday I went to Alatri, which quite exceeded my 

 expectations, so stupendous are its Pelasgic remains- 

 unequalled, I believe, in Italy. . . . The views are most 

 delightful, and such is the appearance of civilization and 

 comfort, that I own myself to have been long labouring 

 under great delusions respecting this part of Italy, and 

 indeed the Italians generally. I feel that I should have 

 no hesitation in trusting myself alone with them, and 

 there is nothing I should like better than a riding tour 

 in the Apennines. . . .' 



They arrived at Naples on the 17th, and a week 

 after, Forbes started alone for Sicily, chiefly for the 

 purpose of examining and comparing the volcanic pheno- 

 mena of Etna and Stromboli with those of Vesuvius. 



To MRS. FORBES. 



* ON BOARD THE " DucA Di CALABRIA," April 23rd. 

 ' Not yet at Messina, but I have had a very pleasant 

 voyage and the best bed I ever found on board a 

 steamer. We were however disturbed in the night by 

 stopping at a place called Paolo, and these touchings on 

 the Calabrian coast have greatly lengthened the voyage. 

 Stromboli is in sight, and so is Etna, but the latter, from 

 its great distance, does not produce the effect one would 

 expect. ... I forgot to tell you that when we passed 

 Sorrento yesterday, I had all eyes and my little tele- 

 scope out, to see you. I could see the Villa Pisani very 

 well, and I thought I saw something white and waving 

 on the terrace at least I pleased myself with thinking 

 so as the spot on Venus was seen in Delbrio's glass ! 

 My tedious voyage has at least had the good effect of 

 completely calming my nerves, which were a little ex- 

 cited by the bustle and heat of Naples, and otherwise 



