XX 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



that the fettered leg of the horse would be broken. 

 However, by dint of exertion, and help from 

 people on the road, we got the leg released and the 

 horses on their feet again ; so that we were enabled 

 to reach Ancona. 



Although the Adriatic had been in view for the 

 best part of the clay, we saw not a single gull of 

 any species. But there were abundance of larks 

 and finches on the sea-shore ; and Miss Helen 

 pointed out some scamps going after them with a 

 gun. One vagabond had a Civetta owl at the top 

 of a long pole : a common practice here, to decoy 

 the poor birds to their destruction. Whilst I was 

 condemning it, our attention was drawn to an 

 amusing ycung hero, who was wrestling most 

 manfully with a jet-black half grown pig. He 

 got the better of it , seized both of its hind legs, 

 and then forced it to walk on, as a biped ; putting 

 us in mind of a man with a wheel -barrow. At last 

 he jerked it into a large hole full of water and 

 washed it well; himself laughing immoderately, and 

 seemingly proud of the adventure. Cats were 

 plentiful; taking the sun as they sat on the roofs of 

 the houses. 



Loretto stands upon a mountain of vineyards, 

 surrounded by other high mountains, also cultivated 

 for the grape. 



