Florence 283 



The magnitude and substantial solidity with which the Palazzo 

 Ricardi was built by a merchant of the Florentine republic is 

 astonishing; we have in the north of Europe (now the most com- 

 mercial part of the globe) no idea of merchants being able to raise 

 such edifices as these. The Palazzo Pitti was another instance; 

 but as it ruined its master it deserves not to be mentioned in 

 this view; and there are at Florence many others, with such a 

 profusion of churches that they mark out the same marvellous 

 influx of wealth arising from trade. To a mind that has the 

 least turn after philosophical inquiry, reading modern history is 

 generally the most tormenting employment that a man can have ; 

 one is plagued with the actions of a detestable set of men called 

 conquerors, heroes, and great generals; and we wade through 

 pages loaded with military details ; but when you want to know 

 the progress of agriculture, of commerce, and industry, their effect 

 in different ages and nations on each other — the wealth that 

 resulted — the division of that wealth — its employment — and the 

 manners it produced — all is a blank. Voltaire set an example, 

 but how has it been followed ? Here is a ceiling of a noble saloon, 

 painted by Luca Giordano, representing the progress of human 

 life. The invention and poetry of this piece are great, and the 

 execution such as must please every one. The library is rich ; 

 I was particularly struck with one of the rooms that contains the 

 books, having a gallery for the convenience of reaching them, 

 without any disagreeable effect to the eye. In England we 

 have many apartments the beauty of which is ruined by these 

 galleries : this is 36 feet by 24, within the cases, well lighted by 

 one moderate window; and is so pleasing a room that if I were 

 to build a library I would imitate it exactly. After visiting the 

 gallery and the Palazzo Pitti, we are naturally nice and fastidious 

 — yet here are some paintings that may be viewed with pleasure. 

 In the evening to the conversazione of Signore Fabbroni; the 

 assembly merits the name ; for some of the best instructed people 

 at Florence meet there and discuss topics of importance. Sig- 

 nore Fabbroni is not only an economiste, but a friend to the 

 Tuscan mode of letting farms alia meta, which he thinks is the 

 best for the peasants: his abilities are great; but facts are too 

 hard for him. 



2()th. Churches, palaces, etc. In the afternoon to St. Firenze 

 to hear an oratorio. At night to a concert given by a rich Jew 

 on his wedding: a solo on the violin, by Nardini. — Crowds- 

 candles — ice — fruits — heat — and so forth. 



30^^. To Signore Fabbroni, who is second in command under 



