LARISSA TO TEMPE. 351 
extremities, we see no reason for insisting upon 
the distinction. The dales of Derbyshire and 
Cumberland, and the dingles of Wales, are by- 
some called valleys, and by others considered 
rather as defiles, or passes ; but these distinctions 
exist only in the names given to them. 
" 'May 13, 1806. After riding nearly an hour close to tbe Bay, 
we turned S. through a delightful plain, which, after a quarter of au 
hour, brought us to an opening between Ossa and Olympus, the 
entrance to a Vale, which, in situation, extent, and beauty, amply 
satisfies whatever the Poets have said of Tempe. 
" ' The country being secure, we were able to view the scene from 
▼arious situations. The best view is from a small hill about one mile 
S. from the ChAn. Looking E. you have then Ossa on your right hand ; 
on your left, a circling ridge of Olympus, clothed with wood and rich 
herbage, terminates in several elevations, which diminish as they 
approach the opening before mentioned. In the front is the Vale, 
intersected by the Peneus ; and adorned with a profusion of beauties, 
so concentrated, as to present under one view a scene of incomparable 
eflfect. 
" * The length of the Vale, measured from the station to the open- 
ing by which we entered, I estimate at three miles ; its greatest 
breadth, at two miles and a half. 
* Extending your view northwards, tbe Vale opens towards a rich 
plain which bounds the Bay of Salonica; high above whose waters is 
seen majestic Athos. This interesting feature has hitherto been 
unnoticed : indeed, it can only be noticed in very favourable circum- 
stances of weather and situation of the observer.' 
MS. Journal of Professor Palmer. 
" To this spot, then, described by Professor Palmer, must be applied 
the epithets used by the Antients, when speaking of Tempe, — nemorosa, 
umbrosa, viridanlia, xaXa.. The opinion of the Emperor Julian should 
not be overlooked. During his residence in Greece, he probably had 
visited this interesting spot. In a letter to Libanius, he places * the 
Thessulian Tempe only second to the celebrated Grove and Temple of 
Daphne in Syria.* " Walpole's MS. Journal. 
