The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1869-05-08
Terms $500 per amnuns, in adranee.

comparable with those of Rome. The Duo-
mo, or Cathedral, is very large church. Tie
dome IS said to exceed in height and circuu.
ference that 'of st. Peters. 1t Is of an intar-
esting style of architecture, and is built of
black and white marble in stripes and
squares. The facade has never been COM
pleted. The Campanile, or bell tower, 10
detached from the church, and is built of va
rious colored marbles, and adorned at its base
with fine statues. 1t is 275 feet high, and aE
ter mounting to its top had beautiful view
of the city and its surroundings. Santa Croce
is an interesting old church, commenced in
1895. II contains the tomb Of NJ. Angelo
The three statues about are alegorical figures
representing the versatility of his master gem
ius-painting, sculpture and architecture. If
all the works of art sold in Italy attributed to
him were really the production of his hands
or his mind, his memory is entitled to all the
honor that can be shown it. A monument to
Dante, and modern statue in the square in
front commemorate the "Diyine Poet" The
church of San Marco and the convent adioin-
ing perpetuate the remembrance of Savona-
rola, the reformsr monk, who was burnt at
the stake in Florence in 1498, by order of
Pope Alexander 9th. The Boboli Gardens.
adjoining the Pitti Palace, are beautiful
walks. Their natural attractions are inereas-
ed by the terraces, statues &c. with which
they are adorned.
The Cascine on the right Of the Arno is
the fashionable walk and drive of Florence.
Its avenues are shaded with trees. In the
afternoon the band plays in one of its
squares, and there congregate all the society
OF Florence, from the King downwards.
Victor Emanuel is not very prepossessing in
his appearance. The afternoon saw him in
the Cascine, he rode in an ordinary carriage,
dressed in dust wrapper OF grey cloth, had
on shocking bad hat, and, as an aequaint-
ance of mine remarked, looked as If he had
just tumbled out of an American sleeping
car. The old city of Florence is surrounded
by wall not very defensibIe in the modern
style of warfare. Its gates are used for the
octroi duties. The city extends beyond the
walls and the pleasantest situations are out
side. In the old portion the buildings are
high, streets narrow without side walks. and
at all times crowded with carts, carriages and
foot passengers. Peddlers with their goods
in hand carts crying with musical voices
their wares, and the drum and bugle of pass
ing troops enliven the sceDe A drive on
beautiful day to Fiesole, an ancient town up
the mountains, and also to San Miniato, a
church on the left side of the river. are in
teresting excursions, as you obtain fine views
of the lovely scenery about Florence. A visit
to the state apartments IN the Ptti Palace.
formerly occupied by the Grand Dukes OF
Tuscany, now the residence OF the King, see
ing the bathrooms, saloons, bed-chambers,
&C., magni6cently furnished, and decorated
with silk hangings and tapestries, adorned
with paintings and frescoes, was one of the
pleasantest features of my visit here. The
last day of my stay occurred the meeting of
| the Italian Parliament after recess. We
obtained tickets, and went to see the assem-
bled wisdom of the Italian nation. was
quite surprised to find so democratic a look
ing body. If it had not been for the en-
blems of nationality about the hall, and the
to me unknown language in which the
members spoke, could have supposed
myself in legislative assembly at home. No
uniforms or decorations were seen, but the
ministers and members were in citizens
dress, and seemed to represent various classes
and professions. Some distinguished mem
bers were pointed out to me, among them a
general of Garibaldis army.
With some friends made visit to the
studio of Powers, our famous sculptor. We
were kindly received by him, and saw many
of his principal works, the Greek Slave, and
busts of many distinguished Americans, &c.
| His studio was being removed to a location
outside the Roman Gate, where it is placed
in beautiful garden, surrounded by shrub
berry and flowers, and in the midst of the
charming scenes that surround Florence.
go to morrow to Venice and the shores Of the
| Adriatic. H.