The Republican journal., 1912-04-25
IN AJAcclo.
VIII.

VIII.
Islands are quiet. Therein lies the in
effable charm of this glorious scented
isle. We are living thoroughly up-to
date Robinson Crusoe sort of existence
We are interested in even the minol
happenings on our lonely sea-girt land
The ever-changing hues in the grandiose
panorama of hill and valley. the silent
snow clad mountains, and the peaceful
meadows all impress upon our minds {
perfect picture which can never be eff
faced.
We spend hours admiring the beau
teous scenes spread out before our en-
raptured gaze. Much indeed has beer
written about Corsica, but never yet has
any one been able to do her full justice.
Even Boswell, as far back as 1865, in
his intercourse with the great Paoli, was
astounded, not only at the SURPRISING
beauty of this charming little isle, but at
the spirited race of beings who inhabited
it and claimed it as their beloved Father
land.
It is we'll to record here bit of advice
which the astute Paoli gave to James
Boswell in order that he might better
know the Corsicans. Go among them, "
'The more you talk with them you will
do me the greater pleasure. Forget the
meanness of their apparel. Hear their
sentiments. You will find honor and
sense, and abilities among these poor
men,"
There are three differing climates in
Corsica. The mildest on the sea coast,
having only two seasons, spring and
summer, is admirably adapted to the
needs of invalids and tourists in search
of baImy air and benefcent life giving
sunshine.
The second temperature is not unlike
that of Brittany, in France. The harder
trees flourish in these regions.
The third climatic zone resembles the
far frozen north of Norway, for at least
eight months of the year. Such are
Bocoguano, Vivario, and the winter sta
ton of Vizzavona, in all Of which one
might indulge in the rigorous vivifying
out door sports so we'll suited to certain
natures. The pine trees in the ex-
traordinary forest of Vizzavona are
sometimes over 12O feet in height!
The vegetation Of the whole island is
simply wonderful. The American plane
tree thrives exceedingly well here in
Ajaccio, and is an ornament to one of
the principal streets.
In our long rambles we often stop and
gather big punches of wild asparagus
which grows so abundantly in the scrub
hereabouts. 1t is delicious when after
being boiled in sailed water it is sprin-
killed. over with grated Parmesan cheese
and set few moments III the oven to
brown. It must be served piping hot!
Another Of our distractions is to watch
the spearing of fish by night. A torch
of resin is fixed in the bow of the boa
and the unwary finny denizens of the
deep, attracted by the glazing light,
come up to the surface, and are speared
by adroit hands in the every twinkling
of an eye
The municipality of Ajaccio, with laud-
able enterprise, is deepening the harbor,
and enlarging the quays. The stone is
brought from neighboring quarry by
tiny railway, which with much splutter-
ing and many shrieks, crawls along the
Boulevard Lantivy, sometimes frighten-
ing even the stolid little donkeys.
Strolling through the rural cemetery,
the other day, my attention was attract
ed to a plain cemented tomb, without
any ornamentation whatsoever, and
read this simple inscription:
Clean Pozzi,
Coiffeur,
1S65-191O
PrieZ pour luiP'
1t gave me much food for reflection. |
1t was so thoroughly French and unas-
Stunning. A man who was only barber
and was not afraid to put his trade in
bold letters upon his last resting place.
l am quite sure he was an excellent bar
Der, proud of the good work he had done,
glad to put before the eyes of posterity
the example of his honorable existence.
So well-lived Sin that sphere of life to
which it had pleased God to call him."
And then the pathetic "Priez pour lui!"
Everything is full of quiet charm on
this picturesque little island. Each day
brings forth some new wonder to admire,
some added joy to garner up in our de-
lightful memories of beauteous Corsica.
By day, afar off on the hills, we see
the smoke of the charcoal burners fires,
turned to ruddy glow when night has
fully descended The making of char
coal is quite an industry in Corsica, for
not only is it used extensively on the
island itself, but it is shipped in consider !
able quantities to the Continent.
There are several pleasing books about
Corsica which one reads with interest.
First of all there is James Boswell's
hapnv account in his HTournal of Tollr