Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-03-04
Our ascent of VesuvluS.

swell; landlord, what is the pros.
pect for trip to Vesuvius tomorrow ?"
Was our first question after obtaining
spoms at the Metropolitan Hotel, on the
evening of our arrival at Naples.
"Very good, the smoke of the
mountain is blowing away from Naples,
assure sign Of fair weather. When the
cid volcano hides himself from US in
3etokens foul weather"
On the next morning, therefore, we
sose early to make the ascent. At $40,
= n, our party, consisting of three
persons, took seats in our caleche, We
Gcle like barouche. with two seats
Acing each other. It was drawn by
Asee horses, two of them harnessed in
Ae usual way, and the third on the left
side of the others, making three
HHseast.
But who is this fellow getting upon
He seat with the driver ?"
"Oh, he is your guide, meekly re-
azies the landlord.
. But We told you last night We
should not take guide until we reach
he Hermitage"
"Very well, he will not go then"
md the disappointed guide dismounts.
Away we rattle at break neck speed
Enough the crowded streets, where all
sorts Of merchandise are exposed for
aAle, and men and women are working
- their various occupations, some even
1Akihg their. toilets in the open
street.
On We 60 through the wonderful fish
NIT NJ
Aarine life temptingly displayed;
tArough crowds OF beggars of all de-
seYiptIons; past countrym men coming
into town with vegetables in long
pointed baskets dangling on each side
si their poor overloaded donkeys.
Here and there we meet country
stages, like 60 carts upon two wheels,
sarrying from eight persons up to as
many as can cling on to an inch of sur
1ace, all drawn by one horse.
On, on We 60. winding around the
beautiful bay of Naples, which stretches
Of on our right, on whose placid waters
lie the ships of all nations.
Mile after mile is traversed, with no
change except that We meet greater
number of country-teams carrying in
all kinds of produce-teams strangely
yut together seldom two animals
alike; usually horse and donkey, or q
COW or OK and q donkey, or cow and 9
horse. One team was composed of all
ATee.
The numerous focks of goats stray
Sung about everywhere through the
streets are strongly suggestive of the
kind of milk and butter we use. Our
driver dismounts and buys bundle oil
grass roots of woman, for part of oul
horses dinner.
Beggars of all ages and descriptions
beset us, and even run along beside Gu,
carriage for several rods. At last we
reach q hill on whose summit, sur.
rounded by filth and wretchedHess
stands the Royal Palace, under whose
walls numberless beggars are shelter
ing themselves from the cold winter
vinds.t
After descending this hill, our car
giage stops at door over which is til,
English eign "Oficial Guides to We
Suvius."
"But Why do you stop here. driver p
ITO take gside."
"a guide! You know we will no.
have q guide; drive on!'
And so this league between hotel
keepers, guides and drivers meets with
3ebuff number two.
We now turn out of the city Of
Besira, which is built upon the ancient
Herculaneum, and take left-hand
course toward the volcano.
But here is long hill where the
horses must walk, and we are at the
mercy of dozen beggars who run fol
rs as soon as we come in sight. Every
one of them begs in piteous tone and
with expressive gestures for centime
or soldi. Some urge Us to buy their
osanges at exorbitant pricee.