244 
LETTEltS FPOM 
Italy. Our guide pointed out to us the 
track of the lava of 1669. In its course are 
several hillocks, or islands, which being above 
the reach of the torrent, escaped the general 
destruction, and still retain their original ver¬ 
dure. The crater of Monte Rosso is now 
entirely filled up with ashes. 
After we had enjoyed for some time the 
beautiful, but very singular view around us, 
we descended the hill on the other side. It 
was fortunate for one of our party that he 
had dismounted, for when towards the bot¬ 
tom, his horse lost his footing, and rolling 
over and over, he very quickly finished the 
descent in that manner. He did not receive 
the smallest injury. 
We remained an hour to refresh ourselves 
and our beasts at a little inn at Nicolosi, 
where we were again requested to comply 
with the ridiculous custom of entering our 
