some of his finest verses. The climate is more mild and agreeable than upon any other of the Lombard lakes. Its shores are covered with villages, and the land is very fertile. The lemon-tree is planted very extensively, as well as the olive. The lake abounds in fine fish, such as trout, pike, etc.; also the sardelle and agove, species of the delicious herring which are found in the other lakes. The waters are at times troubled, in consequence of the severe storms which are very prevalent; the waves rising to an immense height, owing to the large expanse of water. The Mincio is the only outlet. Brescia.- Hotel, Albergo Reale della Posta. Population 41,000. Brescia is a very ancient city, and was formerly celebrated for the heroism of its inhabitants and the strength of its fortifications. The heroism of the Brescians has not degenerated, but the fortifications are dilapidated, and the extent to which the manufactures of fire-arms was carried in ancient times has decreased very rapidly, caused by the opposition of the Austrians, their present rulers. Brescia was taken by the French during the league of Cambray, which caused a revolt, and resulted in being retaken by storm in 1512, on which occasion Chevalier Bayard was so seriously wounded. Gaston de Foix, who was appointed general of Francis I.'s forces while yet a mere youth, not having attained his twentythird year, learned that the city of Brescia had been delivered over to the Venetians, and that the garrison was incapable of longer resistance, hastened, with incredible exertion and fatigue, to the rescue of that place, fought two battles, achieved two victories, and, on arriving before the gates, summoned the city to surrender, being anxious, if possible, to avoid farther slaughter. The summons was, however, disregarded, although the citizens were desirous that it should be complied with. The attack commenced, and the carnage which ensued was fearful. The Venetians fought desperately, but in vain. The city was taken, the garrison and population put to the sword, and the town delivered up to all the horrors of pillage and violence. The brave Bayard fell wounded by a pike through the thigh, which broke in the wound, and was borne to the rear BRESCIA by two archers. The citizens, women, and children harassed the invading troops by hurling bricks and stones, and even pouring boiling water from the windows of the houses; but ultimately between 7000 and 8000 Venetians fell in action, or were butchered as they attempted to escape, while the loss of the French did not exceed 50 men. Unhappily, they no sooner saw themselves masters of the city than the most brutal excesses supervened. Monasteries and convents were invaded, private families were ruined and disgraced, and the gross booty secured by the conquerors was estimated at three millions of crowns-a circumstance which ultimately proved the destruction of the French cause in Italy, numbers of the individuals thus suddenly enriched forsaking their posts and returning to their homes, enfeebling the army of De Foix, and conducing to the fatal termination of the battle of Ravenna. Brescia has produced some eminent men, among whom was the historian Mazzuchelli, the mathematician Tartaglia, and Agoni. Churches.-The Duomo Vecchio was built by two Lombard dukes. It is very ancient, having been commenced in 660 A.D., and finished in 670. It still retains some old tombs and paintings, which, however, are not of the first class. The Duomo Nuovo is a modern edifice of white marble, completed in 1825. The dome is very large, next in size to that of the Cathedral at Florence. In front of this building is a fountain, with an allegorical statue of the city. Church of St. Afra contains many beautiful frescoes and paintings; among the latter is Titian's fine work, "The Woman taken in Adultery." There is also an excellent portrait of Paul Veronese in the foreground of his painting of the Martyrdom of St. Afra. The church is very ancient, and has been repeatedly renovated. A temple of Saturn formerly occupied this location. Church of San Nazaro e Celso is richly endowed with paintings, for which it is principally remarkable. Church of San Giovanni Evangelista, the oldest church in Brescia; many of Moretto's finest productions are here displayed. Church of San Francesco contains a painting of great beauty, representing the Marriage of the Virgin, by Francesco du Pruto di Caravaggio, whose works BRESCIA, [ITALY.] BERGAMO. are very rare. It was in this building very impressive. There are two towers in that the Brescians took the oath of fidelity to the republic of Venice in 1421. Church of San Pietro in Oliveto is also remarkable for its paintings, containing many specimens of the Brescian art. Biblioteca Quiriniani, founded by Cardinal Quirini in 1750, is well furnished with ancient MSS. and books; 30,000 volumes it now contains. A copy of the Gospels, in gold and silver, of the 9th century, is one of the most interesting relics. Its founder was most liberal in donations of early and curious works; none more useful than the collection of Cardinal Pole. The Broletto, or ancient palace of the republic, erected of brick, of peculiar architecture, was commenced in the 11th century and completed in the 12th. The armorial bearings were almost entirely destroyed in 1796. It contained many ancient historical objects of interest and some excellent paintings previous to the invasion of the French. It is now used for public offices and prisons. On a large circular window in the great court are some terracotta ornaments of great beauty. Palazzo del Loggia, in the Piazza Vecchio, was formerly intended for the town hall. It was originally as beautiful in the interior as in the exterior, but the conflagration of the 18th of January, 1575, defaced it to a very great extent. The exterior suffered somewhat by the bombardment of 1849. Many of Titian's fine paintings were destroyed at the time of the conflagration. Museo Civico.-The city is indebted to one of its most distinguished citizens, Count Torsi, for this building and its collections. The most valuable of its contents is a celebrated work of Raphael, representing our Savior crowned with thorns, for which Count Torsi paid 24,000 francs. It formerly belonged to the Mosea family of Pe saro. The paintings, busts, etc., are admirably arranged, and occupy ten different rooms. There are several other galleries containing paintings of interest. The gay exterior of the palaces of Brescia add much to the appearance of the city, also its numerous squares and fountains the latter 72 in number. Its public institutions are numerous, and very interesting in appearance. Altogether, there is an air of grandeur about the city that is the city, the Torre del Orologia, and the Torre della Palata. The former has a large dial, which marks the course of the sun and moon, and the hours are struck by two men of metal. The antiquities of Brescia add much to its interest. In 1820, while excavations were being made, a fine temple of white marble, with Corinthian columns, was discovered, which was supposed to have been dedicated to Hercules in the year 72. It is of most remarkable architecture. The masonry is very magnificent. Many portions are quite perfect. A bronze statue of Victory was discovered at the same time. Many of the relics, such as Roman inscriptions, fragments of architecture, etc., have been carefully preserved, and placed in a museum which has been instituted within this edifice. The Campo Santo.-This cemetery is kept in most excellent order, and is well worth a visit, being one of the earliest and most interesting cemeteries in Italy. It has a beautiful chapel, and many very elegant monuments. The expense of burial here is very moderate. The cypress is grown to a great extent, many of the avenues being bordered with it. Brescia has five gates-Porta di San Giovanni leading to Milan, San Nazarro to Crema, San Alessandro to Cremona, Tulunga to Vienna and Mantua, and Porta Pile to Val Trompia. Lergamo. - Principal hotel, Albergo d Italia. Population 36,000. Bergamo is divided into two portions, upper and lower, which are situated half a mile from each other. It is a very ancient city, having existed under the Romans. During the French ascendency it was the capital of the Department of Serio. The most ancient portion of it has an elevated situation, and is inhabited principally by the nobility. The streets are narrow, and the buildings lofty and massive. The city was strongly fortified by the Venetians in consequence of its position; many of the walls are still standing, and, having been converted into boulevards, afford beautiful and extended views. On the south side of the town is a most interesting walk, extending over the plains of Lombardy to the |