270 Travels in Italy 



which will give an idea of the cheapness ot Italy ; premising (of 

 which more in another place) that the paolo is sixpence^ and that 

 there are 10 baiocche in it. As to beef^ mutton, bread, etc., they 

 are all over Europe too nearly on a par to demand much atten- 

 tion; where meat is very fine, it is nominally dear; and where it 

 is bad, it is called cheap : but the difference deserves little notice. 

 Mr. Taylor contracts with a traiteur for his table, nine in the 

 parlour and five in the kitchen, 20 paoli a-day for dinner; for 

 supper he pays extra, and is supplied to his satisfaction — a proof, 

 if any is wanted, of the cheapness of Bologna. It is remarkable 

 that there is not the difference between the prices of any of the 

 articles, and the same thing in England, that there is between 

 the contracting prices and the ratio with us, a few per cent, in 

 the former, but some hundred per cent, in the latter; a sure proof 

 that dearness and cheapness of living does not depend on prices 

 per pound, but on the modes of living. Every tavern-keeper, 

 traiteur, or other contractor of any sort in England will have a 

 price that shall give him a fortune in a few years; and servants, 

 instead of submitting to the economy which their masters may 

 think it necessary to establish, will not live an hour with them 

 if they are not permitted to devour him. 



i^th. With Signore Bignami and his family to his country 

 seat, about five miles from Bologna, on the road to Pistoya, 

 spend an agreeable day, entirely dedicated to farming. The 

 house is handsome and finely situated: the entertainment 

 truly hospitable, and the information, given in a cool considerate 

 walk, through every field of the farm, such as is little liable to 

 error. A circumstance at this country seat deserves noting, as it 

 marks the abundance of thieves : the chambers had the windows 

 all shut so close, and fastened with so much attention, that I 

 inquired the reason ; and was answered that if the greatest care 

 be not taken thieves will break in and plunder a house of every- 

 thing portable. The shutters, to both windows and doors, were 

 inlaid with bars of iron, to prevent their being sawn through. 

 The conclusion we must draw from such a circumstance is cer- 

 tainly little favourable at first sight to the lower classes, — but 

 that is always unjust, for they are ever what the police, law, and 

 government of a country make them. In the evening, again at 

 Mr. Taylor's; a house, in which no one will have the entre, and 

 want the inclination. The Marchese Mareschotti there, who had 

 the goodness to continue his attentions to my inquiries, and to 

 give some me valuable information : I had also the pleasure of 

 conversing, on the same subjects, with the Conte di Aldrovandi. 



