174 ISLAND OF ZIA. 
CHAP. threadle-my -needle" of the modern Romtka'. 
III. r 
v_ .y ^ The whole night passed in one interrupted 
scene of the most joyous vivacity. To us it 
seemed to exhibit a moving picture of other 
times ; for in the dances we actually beheld the 
choirs of the Antient Greeks, as originally they 
were led around the altars of Delos, or amidst 
the rocks of Delphi, or by the waters of Helicon, 
or along the banks of the Eurotas*. When 
morning dawned, we retired ; but we left them 
still dancing; and we heard their reiterated 
songs as we descended through the valley 
towards the shore. 
Produce The fertility of Zia has been mentioned by 
of Zia. . J 
antient and by modern authors, and it was 
particularly noticed by us upon the spot 3 . It 
appeared to be the best cultivated of any of the 
Grecian Isles. In our way to and from the 
town, we found among the rocks some very 
rare plants ; particularly the Verlascum Gr&cum 
(1) See p. 148, Note (l), of this volume. 
(2) "Qualis in Eurotse ripis, aut per juga Cynthi 
Exercet Diana choros."" 
Virg. /Eneid. lib.i. Sedan. 1625. 
(S) " Et cultor, nemorum qui pinguia Cea 
Ter centum nivei tondent dumeta juvenci." 
Virg. Georgic. lib.i. ver.}4. Sedan. 1625. 
