The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-08-20
SEA BATHS IN ITALY
usr MADE or THB blue WATERS
OF THE MEDITERRANBAN.
Fxhiiarafins PIdnSes r. Natures Great
Lavatory-In Water tho Reserved Eu-
quette of tho Drawing Room Ends.

into the warm blue waters of the Medi-
terranean snd float luxuriously in the
salty sea among perfect school Of hap
by bathers will never forget it. Neverl
Venice, Naples, Capri, Amalf! 1t makes
ones eyes gllsten at the very thought OF
it. To Italy's splendid title, "The Land
of Poetry md Song" might also DO add
ed Tho Land Of Baths" were it not that
the second name to some fastidious
minds would detract from the beauty Of
the first
The ancient Romans, borrowing as
they did all the worthily imitable Gus
toms from their Greek and Egyptian
neighbors. found the baths especially
suited 10 their luxurious tastes and car
RED thcm to degree OF excellence which
had never been attained, making them
not only OF immense benefit in a sani-
tary way, but establishing them as a
favoritc rendezvous for people Of culture
and talent as we'll a. for the poorer class
es, who also enjoyed the privilege Of
their own compartments. Look at the
baths Of Dioclotian, which are estimated
to have accommodated no less than 49,
900 people at ono time. And those Of
CarncaIler at Rome. What wonderful
ruins Of a still moro wonderful struc-
turel In these walls bathing became
science. Cold baths, tcpid baths, hot
baths, oil baths, sun baths-every kim
Of BATH Why simply TO visit the place
was rest and recreation. Statuary and
paintings lent beauty on all sides. Music
charmed. Orators and poets entertained.
What beauty in the remaining walls Of
the Pompeiian bathsl The frescoes are
as bright and beautiful as if they were
done but yesterday, and the marble
carvings and pavements which escaped
the fury Of the burning mountain have
softened In color almost to an ivory.
Then the baths Of Nero. Around the
coast on the charming picturesque road
leading from Poz1uoli to Bai@ one
alights from tho little carozzella and
chambers up to cave cut in the side Of
the mountain, wherein Ia spring heated
TO high temperature in its subterra-
mean channels by veins of volcanic life
which abound near Vesuvius. This spot
suited well the comfort loving Nero,
who made of it favorite resort and
caused the rough stone touches to be
placed there, which still remain.
One reads little of sea bathing in those
days. Every Roman colony thought to
construct its baths as it thought of rails
ing it's temples. But now all Italy turns
its face to its natural advantages, and
with one accord cries as early as May,
LET Us 30 the seal" Not all tho estsb-
lishments are IS convenient and as we'll
constructed as the Lido at Venice and
thoe Of Posilipo at Naples, but they are
all on the same general plan. Every
place open to the use OF the public Is pro-
vidcd with pavilion where people con-
gregntc TO discuss the latest topics, or to
devour with eager ears the latest gossip,
while therc Is always music, from morn
ing till night, II only one Of those harass-
ing "organetses' or portable pianos,
which grind necessarily and seem al
ways to be playing "Ssnta Lucia" or
bella Espolf' end vary sometimes with
the "Trovstore"
On either side Of the pavilion are the
"camerini,' or dressing rooms-one side
reserved for ladies, the other for gentle
mon. These "camcrinf' arc the rough
est kind of little wooden boxes, carpeted
with mat Of braided straw and fur
nished with four rude chairs for the
four persons each Is supposed to accom-
modate. Then there are the steps lead
Ing to the water. The fee for the use Of
each room is one franc fifty Tor 30 cents),
including the linen sheets, the price
never varying whether there be one or
four persons together.
Once in the water and prestol changed
all the reserved etiquette Of the Italian
drawing room vanishes. Then and then
only does liberty exit, and the pretty
little siynorinns, rs well as thehandpme
signoras, in the very simplest kind Of
bathing costume, generally dark blue
with little white braid, transformed
into yeritable water nymphs, swim off
with all the grace and alacrity Of fish,
never fearing, never firing, Just as il
they had been born to it. And there is
no end to romance. Fancy q boat full
of handsomeyou officers towing trail
of pretty, bright eyed girls to some quiet.
picturesque spot, where ali indulge IN a
jolly little luncheon. 1t doesn't seem so
very much, does it2 And yet one recalls
that these same young officers may never
have dared address the young ladies' on
land, or II they have had the good for
time to do so it was only under the
watchful eye Of the omnipresent chaper-
on, then we realize what it really means
Then there are the quieter places like
tho placid blue waters of Sorrento, away
down under the high walls Of rock,
where one may float and gaze up at the
beautiful villas and fragrant orange
gardens. And Capri, where the wonder
full blue grotto is free to all who can
swim there, while the hurried traveller
inevitably falls victim TO the merciless
boatmen who shake their hands in ones |
face and demand ia tariffa," which |
never fails to exceed the fee regularly
established.
Yes, the sea isa blessing to the Italians
open to all and appreciated as well by
poor as by rich. Indeed one finds him.
self wondering what would become Of