SECRETARY'S REPORT. 271 



street of the dead, and coming to the Catacombs, the tombs 

 of the early Christians, many of them as early as the first 

 century. Into these we descended, bearing each a candle to 

 light our dark and gloomy way. These Catacombs, deep under 

 ground, cover many acres, and are of deep interest in many 

 points of view. We were led through subterranean chambers, 

 containing many passages where the persecuted Christians 

 sought a resting-place for their dead. Many of these passages 

 and chapels are covered with paintings and inscriptions. The 

 places where we stood, though themselves deep under ground, 

 covered- many other passages and chambers still beneath us, 

 and no doubt similar in their construction. It was one vast 

 city of the dead. 



We visited Saint Paul's, the largest basilica in Rome, said to 

 have been built originally by Constantine the Great upon the spot 

 where, according to tradition, the apostle Paul was beheaded. It 

 was destroyed several times by fire, and the present structure is 

 therefore new, and when completed will rival Saint Peter's for 

 splendor and magnificence. The whole succession of popes, in 

 mosaic, extends around the walls. Most of the Catholic 

 sovereigns of Europe have contributed liberally towards the 

 erection of this most elaborate church, and there are altars and 

 pillars of malachite from Russia, presented by the Czar Nich- 

 olas, splendid alabaster pillars from the Pacha of Egypt, and 

 many other interesting ornaments. 



As we lingered on our return to see the old Circus Maxiraus, 

 the scene of the races, I had an opportunity to see a little of 

 peasant life upon the campagna. The kettle was put on to boil 

 in a little hut, which we entered, near by, the fire being made 

 of the dried droppings of cattle, which are carefully picked up 

 and preserved for the purpose. 



Next day we descended into the Mamertine prison, where 

 Saint Peter was confined when the angel appeared to release 

 him, and saw the rings of the chains used to fasten the prison- 

 ers to the gloomy walls. The baths of Titus, the baths of Cara- 

 calla, and the baths of Diocletian, also occupied a part of the 

 day. These establishments were on the grandest scale, often 

 covering several acres of ground, and adorned with the most 

 splendid works of art. In the afternoon, on the Monte Pincio, 

 the fashionable drive, one sees the most varied and interesting 



