The new era., 1910-10-13

lalleries tc expect. And nowadays this falling
short of his ideal is increased by the vulgarizns
effect of the penny steamboat-the vaporetto.
with which the Venetians seem so contented-
that sets his gondola rocking as 1t passes, and
stirs up that in the sleeping canal waters which
had better been let lie; to say nothing OF the
motor-boat, which is threatening to do for the
gondola what the taxi" is doing for our hansoms
at hcme.
If such traveller be leaving Venice with a
sense of disappointment. let him by no means
depart till he has visited the fisher island of Bu
rano: for if he but choose his day and hour well,
he will assuredly take home with him satisfy
ing picture of one spot at least, glowing with
color and teeming with picturesque life, that
has outrun his most hopeful imaginings.
There be few more pleasant experiences
on fine, warm afternoon in spring or autumn
in early May mid-September for choice-than
to take gondola, with two good rowers and win
ones first sight of Burano.
A gondola it must be, not the vaporetto that
one may arrive alone or with we-chosen COM
panon, and not one amongst a crowd OF chat
tering, sightseeing snapshotters.
The way to Burano takes one through about
six miles OF lagoon landscape to the eastward OF
Venice. The island is situated about five miles
northeast of Venice, in northern Italy. The chief
industries of the people market gardening,
building of boats and fishing the women are en-
ployed principally in lacemaking The island of
Torcele also belongs to Burano. 1t is located on
adjacent isle and the principal attractions that
would interest travellers the two museums OF
Antiquities and the cathedral, which was built in
the seventh century and was rebuilt during the
br 100S. This cathedral contains many valu-
able mosaics.
1t is a populous little place, with busy COM
munity of fisherfolk and lace-makers. In the
struggle for existence has Jared better than Its
older and once prosperous neighbors. MAJ
zorbo and Torcello; the former 1t has. in fact,
annexed by of long, arching, wooden
bridge which, seen from the low seat of gon-
dola looks like that willow-pattern plate
Approaching the island, may find ones
gondola passing passed by increasing numbers
of fishing boats racing each other home to Bu-
rano; finely bronzed statuesque men stand bend
ing Justify to their oars, their hafclad forms
showing many fine play and molding of muscle.
The sails of these boats of delightful color
ing-saffron and sienna, orange, red and burnt
umber-and are often emblazoned with fantastic
designs or with stars, flowers portraits Of
patron saints.
Then the island, with its leaning campanile.
appears before one. its manytinted walls basking
in the late sunlight. Approaching it on its west
ward side one glides past the opening of canal
that ntersects the island and first glance
It reveals a scene that must live long in the mem
ory of any lover of movement and color. The
quay sides are lined with fishing boats, newly
home many with their gorgeous sails still sway
ing idly and glowing in the level rays of the late
afternoon sun Sunburnt, earringed men are heap
ing piles of gttering fish before the cottage
DOORS helped by the women, who add still more
color to the scene with the shawls and kerchiefs
worn over their heads These most becoming
garments are, however not as rule very bril-
iiantly hued but Of mauve. fawn color, or
tawny red. the stronger colors being reserved for