The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-08-15
Two Queens Cooking Eggs in the Hot Lava
Near the Crater of vesuVA ds.
italian TimpS


Friday, the % was gala day on the Ve-
suvian FODiCulsr Railway. The flags of
Italy and Portugal were to be seen ell along
the line. The national hymns of both nations
we're being played by two royal big bands,
while night was turned into day by aid OF
the electric lamps; and around the station
Q fragrant flower garden had been impro-
vised amid the rugged masses OF lava. At s
o'clock in the evening twelve royal carriages
brought the Queens Of Italy and Portugal
and the royal Premier, attended by mum.
erous suite, to the station of the Funicular
Railway. Their Msjesties were received by
the directors of the company, the manager,
Commentators D'Amico, and the Sindics of
Regina and Tore del Greco, and, after
alighting, rested while and psrtook Of some
light refreshments in the buffet of the sts.
ton. Shortly after their Msissties, accom-
panied by the Princess and the ladies and
gentlemen in waiting, entered the car. Com.
D'Amico took charge of the brakes and gave
the order for starting, and the rapid upward
motion began. Half way up the royal train
crossed with descending car occupied By O
band playing the popular local air "Funiculi
Funiculs." Their Msjesties, who had besn
sdmiring the marvellous panorama unrolllng
itself below their feet, expressed their pleasure
at these harmonious sounds in the sll but per-
pendicular mountain side. The summit, $50
| metres above the level of the sea- was soon
reached; and having taken their sests in
two cushioned chsirs borne on the shoulders
Of the Vesuvius guides, the two Queens ap g.
preached the crater. The Queen of Italy
was attended by Com. D'Amico, while Sig
nor Piccioli scted as escort to her Majesty of
Portugal. The prince and ladies in waiting
| followed, while succ~ ssive trains brought up
the rest Of the royal retinue. The level OF
the crater being attained, their NECESSITIES
went on foot TO the central cone, and bslted
on the verge of the crater. Vesuvius took
| part in the show, sending up shower of
| enormous rocks and red hot lava, with an
effect of indescrlbsble grandeur.
The Queen Of Portugal was in ecstasies
with the scene; and Queen Margharet,
while expressing to all her admirations,
amused herself by pushing her alpenstock
through the thin crust, on which she wss
| standing, into the burning lava below, until
| the point OF the stick took FIRE. Eggs were
cooked on the not lava and eaten with evi
/ dent pleasure by their Msiesties snd the
| royal princes, who first however, demanded
| permission Of their mother. The royal
/ party remained the summit for nearly two
| hours, during which time the princes
! olhutSu tuonzSifoS AZ eAahlulLk tE5 IL
| posts from two small orifces which had
| only become extinct the previous day.
Just then change in the wind brought the
stones thrown up by Vesuvius into rather
too close proximity. and the order to return
was given, The whole extent Of the crater
was illuminated by numerous flaming
torches, and q magnificent band enlivened
the scene with selection of sirs. Queen
| MRrehsret led the Wav marking the time 70
one Of Strauss delightful waltzes.