ALASSrO AND ITS FLORA 
5 
should have been lavished on places cer- 
tainly not superior, to Alassio; none of 
which, it may safely be said, presents an 
environment of mountains so pleasing to 
the sight, or so capable of giving protec- 
tion against the winds by their height, 
nearness, and continuity. 
The mountains from Capo Santa Croce 
to Capo Mele are uninterrupted. Monte 
Bignone, m. 520 in height extends with a 
gradual ascent to Pisciamno, m. 597; from 
this to Madonna clella Guardia or Monte 
Tirazzo there are only 11 m. of difference; 
and from this, m. 586, there is a gradual 
descent to the end of Capo Mele, m. 220, 
the most projecting point of Liguria, m 
which there is a first class lighthouse, and 
where at the present time a semaphore is 
being constructed, protected by fortifica- 
tions. These two capes, Santa Croce and 
Capo Mele, form the extremities of a vast 
semicircle, whose principal axis is turned 
to S. E., completely closed on the north 
side by a lofty natural wall of uniform 
height, and has a cord of soA^en kilom. in 
length. A small rib descends from the prin- 
