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MOUNT ATHOS. 



AN ACCOUNT OF THE MONASTIC INSTITUTIONS AND THE LIBRARIES ON 



THE HOLY MOUNTAIN. 



After our tedious abode at Lemnos, and the violence of the storm 

 which we had experienced, we were gratified in no common degree 

 with the view of the convent of Batopaidi, embosomed in the midst 

 of gardens, woods, and meadows. We had reached a small creek at 

 the foot of it, but the surf was so high that we scrambled with diffi- 

 culty over the rocks, and as soon as we landed we pursued a road 

 which led through groves of lemons, oranges, and olives, to the 

 monastery. On reaching the gate we found the approach more like 

 that of a fortress than the peaceful abode of monks. The lofty walls 

 were flanked with towers, and many cannon appeared at the em- 

 brasures. The outer gate was doubly plated with iron ; a long dark 

 winding passage led from it, in which were two guns on carriages, and 

 three more gates secured by strong bolts and bars. We found all the 

 Monks and Caloyers (or Lay Brothers) in the great church. The 

 Principal being informed of our arrival, one of the provosts was sent to 

 us, who, after reading our letter from the Greek Patriarch of Constan- 

 tinople, desired us to wait a few minutes until the service was over, 

 when the Abbot (or Hegoumenos) would pay his respects. The be- 

 haviour of the Monks in general was hospitable and polite ; and dur- 

 ing our residence of five days among them seemed to regret that the 



