originally intended for the general good, come at last to be perverted to private purposes. This is the history of all human institutions. Our Our quarantine has been manifestly a mere matter of form. Whenever there is any apprehension of infection, the suspected ship is obliged to remain in the open roads. But here we are with a multitude of vessels of all nations packed together, higgledy-piggledy, as close as sheep in a pen ;—a rare precaution against infection. The true cause of these strict regulations, I believe, is the emolument derived from them by the Health-office. A number of men are thus kept in employment at the expense of those whom they are appointed to guard ;for our Captain is obliged to pay his jailers. In the mean time, we poor travellers suffer. These officers prevent all communication between the natives and us, and between the inhabitants of one ship and another, though we absolutely touch our next-door neighbour. As a proof of the rigorous observance of these regulations; a fowl from our ship flew into the rigging of that alongside us; and it was determined-after a grave debate—that the fowl must remain where it was, till the quarantine of our neighbour had expired. Our captain, who was tolerable as long as we were at sea, now, in a state of idleness, proves a most unmanageable brute. Letter from my old friend C. who promised to meet me at Pisa. Saturday, 8th. At last came the day of our deliverance. Johnson says, that no man ever does any thing for the last time, without some feeling of regret. The last day of quarantine might form an exception to this observation. Early this morning the boat of the Health-office came alongside:the crew were mustered on the deck:-and the examination was begun and concluded in a moment. Thus ended the farce of quarantine. I lost no time in getting myself and my baggage on shore; and after a short ramble through the streets of Leghorn, hired a cabriolet to carry me to Pisa. Perhaps, the most interesting sight in Leghorn is the English burying-ground. Smollett was buried here, affording in his death, as in his writings, a parallel to Fielding;-both being destined to find their last home in a foreign land. Excellent road from Leghorn to Pisa, through the fertile plain of the Arno. At the gate of Pisa, I first encountered the restraints of continental travelling, in the examination of my passport and baggage. Found my friend C. at the "Tre Donzelle." Passed a long evening in chatting over the tales of former times.-Disgusted at the mode of salute in use amongst Italians. They kiss each other in the street-first, on one cheek, then on the other, and lastly, lip to lip. Pisa has a gloomy and deserted appearance, as if it had once seen better days. The inn-cold and comfortless-with brick floors, and without carpets. The cathedral-a venerable pile of party-coloured marble. The first impression of this style of building is unfavourable; but this may be the mere effect of novelty. One seldom likes what one is not accustomed to. The leaning tower at first sight is quite terrific, and exceeds expectation. There is, I believe, no doubt of the real history of this tower. The foundation-ground gave way during the progress of the building, and the architect completed his work in the direction thus accidentally given to it. Accordingly, we find in the construction of the upper part, that the weight is disposed in a way to support the equilibrium. Upon the whole, it is a very elegant structure; and the general effect is so pleasing, that,—like Alexander's wry neck-it might well bring leaning into fashion amongst all the towers in Christendom. 9th. Finding I could not establish myself immediately en pension, I resolved to accept C.'s offer of a seat in his carriage to Florence. Whenever the Grand Duke of Tuscany moves about his dominions, all the post-horses on his route are put under taboo for his exclusive use. Unluckily for us, he was to-day on his road from Pisa to Florence. It was necessary, therefore, to hire a Vetturino, who undertakes to transport your carriage, in a certain time, for a certain sum. Left Pisa at noon. Soon after our departure the rain came down in torrents. The horses knocked up; and the vetturino was half drowned. The post-master refused to let us have horses ;and as he had no beds to offer us-there was every prospect of our passing the night in the carriage. S. who was with us, smoked his pipe:-I swore in English ;-and C. out-swore, out-argued, and out-joked the post-master and all his crew in their native tongue. At last, by dint of his arguments and humour, for which the Italians have a keen relish, the difficulties were got over;-though we did not reach Florence till after midnight. 10th to 20th. Travellers generally exaggerate most outrageously;-but they have hardly done. justice to Florence. It may well be called-Fair Florence. The Arno runs through it with a tur bid, but rapid, and therefore cheerful, stream, forming as it were the middle of the principal street. Between the lines of houses and the river is a broad quay, serving for carriages and foot-passengers. Four bridges at short distances connect the two sides of the street, and add to its beauty. The absence of smoke and the clearness of the atmosphere, enable you to see the surrounding country distinctly from all parts of the town. The views up and down the river are beautiful; ; and the immediate environs are ornamented with undulating shrubberies and villas without number. The prospect from these environs is rich beyond description. Florence is laid out at your feetand the Arno winds through a golden and fertile plain, till the scene is closed by the bold and rugged range of the Apennines— gaudetque nivali Vertice se attollens Pater Apenninus ad auras. Such is the first view of Florence ;-and within its walls is all that can conduce to gratify the senses, or delight the imagination. The wonders of ancient and modern art are all around you, and furnish an inexhaustible field of occupation and amusement. Schneiderf's hotel is a magnificent establishment; and though Florence may be better calculated for |