Drs Hoppe and Hornschuch’s Tou7^ to the Coast of the 
spectacle which this flood of light afibrded, as we viewed it from 
the summit of an adjacent hill. The promenade by the aqueduct, 
which we must always traverse in our way, was illuminated by 
large, many-coloured paper lamps ; and numerous rockets ascend- 
ed from the neighbouring plains. Amongst the buildings in the 
city, the Exchange, elegantly lighted, and decorated with va- 
rious painted transparencies and inscriptions suitable to the oc- 
casion, was particularly conspicuous. Other edifices, private as 
well as public, seemed to vie with each other in taste and bril- 
liancy. But the finest sight, at least in our opinions, was the 
coup d'^ceil presented by the illumination of the haven, with its 
mole and numerous shipping. Among these, some English 
merchant vessels peculiarly distinguished themselves. At a con- 
siderable distance out at sea, a pyramid was erected on a float, 
fixed by an anchor, which formed a complete blaze of light, and 
had a most striking effect. Numerous little vessels, hung round 
with gaily painted lamps, invited us to embark. We embraced 
this opportunity of gaining a nearer view of the pyramid ; and, 
accompanied by two friends, we row^ed thither, between a long 
row of brilliantly lighted ships, from whence we heard the gay 
songs of the sailors, celebrating the praises of the Imperia;! 
House of Austria. We surveyed from the sea this striking ex- 
hibition, which was enhanced by the incessant lightning that 
proceeded from an impending cloud. Scarcely had we time to 
regain the pier, when a sudden and violent storm arose, which 
instantly brought down the distant tempest in a tremendous tor- 
rent of rain, accompanied with thunder and lightning. This 
circumstance unexpectedly and instantaneously put an end to 
the illumination. We were glad to be able to reach the coffee- 
house Della Stella Polaris, though thoroughly soaked with wet ; 
and we were unable, on account of the incessant pelting, to re- 
gain our quarters till past midnight. 
“ Hundsherg, May 8. — We were now obliged to bestow that 
.attention upon our plants which should set us at liberty to make 
;a fresh excursion on the following day. This extended over 
.the meadows which encircle the hills of Monte Spaccato, and 
were those stony places enclosed with walls, of which we hardly 
knew at first what to think. Now, those barren spots are trans- 
formed into fields rich in flowers. Thousands of Narcissism Fri^ 
