Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-05-31


ground. This palace has many inter
eSting objects, especially to Amen'
cans. Here are two letters written by
Christopher Columbus carefully pre-
served in frames let into the wall,
The handwriting was quite plain, but
as they were in an unfamiliar Ian
guage we could not understand them
We were struck, however, with the
idea that the signature did not spell
Christopher Columbus 10 the same
way as we have been accustomed to
see il; the letter. was signed Aro
Ferens. The official who showed Us
around claimed that the above was
the proper way to write the name OF
the great navigator. Here also Is his
lifelike portrait in mosaic, and that OF
Marco Polo in the same style.
Then bronze tablet made A. ID. III,
recording the Judgment of arbitration
in q controversy between Genoa and
some castle near by. 1t looks ancient
enough aud is pretty we'll cracked,
nevertheless, it has its place on the
wall beside the letters OF Columbus.
A cabinet was shown us made into
the wall, cushioned with pink satin,
containing violin that belonged to
Pagsnnini, on the shelf below is the
violin case covered with medals given
Pagannini by different sovereigns IN
Europe. Then we went up to Villa
Negro to see another Of the public
gardens and the nucleus of Loologl
cal collection. 1t is beautifully laid
out and has number of rare plants
and exotic trees. The views from this
point (ou account oflits height are
very extensive and interesting. This
morning we took a stroll to that part
OF the city where the beautiful tiligree
work is manufactured, which is
specially here, and can be found in
great abundance both in gold and in
silver. Before leaving the city We
visited the monument of Christopher
Columbus which stands quite near the
railroad station in the "Plassa Acqua-
verde" The base is ornamented with
representations OF vessels. The statue
is supported on an anchor near which
is an emblematic figure Of America in
a kneeling posture. Other figures are
grouped about the central monument,
which represent allegorically religion,
wisdom, strength and geography.
Scenes from the life Of Columbus are
represented in relief. The whole is
most artistically executed in fine
white marble, The dedicatory in
scription is as follows: "A CristOforo
Columbo Ia PatriA." Divinato un
monde 10 avvinse di perenni benifzi
alI'antico. On the marble frieze OF
the Pallszzo Faraggiana opposite the
statue are beautifully sculp
tured reliefs of prominent events
in the life of Columbus.
Pisa, ITALY, April IA.
To-day we started for Pisa. The
road kept quite near the sea for a dis
lance. but as the mountains extended
in bold promontories to the shore in
many places, the road has to be tun-
neled through the spurs SO frequently
that we seemed to be in a darkness
fully half the time, but when we did
emerge into daylight. we caught fine
glimpses of the Mediterranean, and
the picturesque villages on the bill
sides. The last dozen miles of the
Journey was through level country,
quite a contrast to the first part of the
days ride. Near Carrara we saw lofty
mountains full of great patches Of
white marble. These marked the
locality OF the immense quarries which
have for centuries produced the finest
marble found on earth. More than
5000 men are employed in these quar-
ries. At the station there were acres
OF marble ready for shipment, also
large blocks of 6ne white stone iu>
tended for statuary purposes. We
stopped in Pisa at the Hotel Royal
Grande Bretagne; as it was quite COO
we had fire in our little stove, the
first stove we have seen this side o.
the Atlantic. The beautiful ArnC
flows just in front OF our Rindows anC
so far we are pleased with dear ole
Pisa. AS every one knows this plac,
is noted for its leaning tower; so oul
6rst visit was there. The tower is
very beautiful and interesting struct
ure and can be seen from a great dis
lance; it is about $50 feet high, ant
more than 80 in diameter, it lean
about IL feet from the vertical line; i
is built entirely Of white marble, Will
294 winding steps, which lead to tn
summit. On account OF the inclina
ton Of the tower, we found the ascen
more difficult. A guard rail of ba
iron runs round the top, as a means O
protection, which looks rather insult
cient. The frightf1l height makes on
very dizzy, especially after coming u
those winding stairs, but the extender
view pays for the toilsome ascent
At your feet is the ancient city {
Pisa, with the beautiful Arno wind
ing through it, while beyond the leve
plains extend in every direction
bounded By the distant mountain
altogether making a charming pictur,
The tower was erected as a campanill
or bell tewer for the neighboring ca
thedral. 1t contains seven bells, som
Of which are used every day. w
, heard them chime for vespers. II
largest, weighing 1900 pounds, is o
the highest side, The tower was CON
meneed in ll74, and finished 10 1873
Many theories have been advance
regarding the cause Of the remarkab
inoIipstiOp of this tower; some authoi
/ tiles contend that it was intende
from the first TO be tout OF plumb, y
} order to attract the attention Of Il
} curious. but as it was erected after ii
! cathedral and the baptistry wei
built, it you'd probably ln that ca
lean either toward or from the G,
: thedral, or else at right angles to Obi
e structure. We found, however, Ia