EXTRACTS FROM 



is an open court ; inclofed on the right fide by the 

 rude rock, on the left by a continuation of the hall. 

 The roof is covered with flat Hones, with a proper 

 ilope for the rain to run off ; and there is a well of 

 water in the middle of the church. 



The cave itfelf is formed into the choir, without 

 being in the leafc deprived of its natural rude appear- 

 ance. A few Heps lead up to it ; in front Hands the 

 great defk with the anthem books ; and on each ride are 

 the feats of the choriflers. All the day-light that en- 

 ters is from the court or nave. At the farther end in 

 the dark recefs of the cave, Hands the high-altar. 



In the cave nothing has been altered, as before ob- 

 ferved ; but, as the rock is always dripping with water, 

 it was neceffary to keep the place dry. This has been 

 eiTecled by means of leaden pipes, conducted along the 

 ridges of the rock, and connected artificially together. 

 As thefe are broad at top and run to a point below, and 

 are neatly painted of a green colour, it looks as if the 

 infide of the cave was grown over with the Indian fig. 

 The water is conducted partly Hdeways, partly hind- 

 wards, into a clear refervoir, from whence the faithful 

 take it in veffels, and ufe it againH all difeafes. 



While I was viewing thefe objects with attention, an 

 ecclefiaHic came up, and alked me, whether I was a 

 Genoefe, and would have fome mafies faid ? I re- 

 plied, that I was come to Palermo in company with a 

 Genoefe, who would come up the mountain to-mor- 

 row, which was a church holiday. As one of us muH 

 remain at home, I was come out to-day for the pur- 

 pofe of looking about me. He complaifantly faid, that 

 I was at liberty to amufe myfelf as I pleafed, and to 



perform 



