188 DISTRICT OF TROAS. 
otHAP. been buried in the soil, appeared in the highest 
. state of preservation; but the surface, so long 
exposed to the atmosphere, was considerably 
decomposed. Of all natural substances used 
by antient artists, Parian marble, when without 
veins, and therefore free from extraneous bodies, 
seems to have best resisted the various attacks 
made upon Grecian sculpture. It is found 
unaltered, when granite, and even porphyry, 
coeval as to their artificial state, have sutfered 
decomposition. Terra cotta is yet more durable 
than marble. Works executed in baked clay 
have been preserved during a period of near 
three thousand years, as fresh as when they 
issued from the hands of the artificer; and 
when any nation is desirous of transmitting a 
lasting memorial to posterity, it cannot employ 
a better substance for this purpose. 
Stupendous ^f^ IcaviuLr CkeniaU, in the road leading to 
Column. o ' o 
a place called Lydia Hamam, distant about three 
quarters of an hour, our Greek servant, who 
was before us on horseback, and had wandered 
a,mong some thickets, returned, laughing im- 
moderately, and saying, *' As you are pleased 
with the sight of columns, here is one large 
enough to gratify your utmost expectations." 
He then led us to a short distance from the 
road, where, concealed among trees, lay the 
