We remained some days in Naples, and during the time went to Pompeii to witness a special excavation among the ruins of the buried city, which search was instituted on account of our visit.
A number of ancient household articles were dug up, and one, a terra cotta lamp bearing upon its crown in bas-relief the legend of "Leda and the Swan," was presented to me as a souvenir of the occasion, though it is usual for the Government to place in its museums everything of such value that is unearthed.
From Naples to Rome by rail was our next journey.

In the Eternal City we saw picture-galleries, churches, and ruins in plenty, but all these have been so well described by hundreds of other travelers that I shall not linger even to name them.

While at Rome we also witnessed an overflow of the Tiber, that caused great suffering and destroyed much property.

The next stage of our tour took us to Venice, then to Florence--the capital of Italy--for although the troops of the King of Italy had taken possession of Rome the preceding September, the Government itself had not yet removed thither.
At Florence, our Minister, Mr.Marsh, though suffering with a lame foot, took me in charge, and in due course of time I was presented to King Victor-Emmanuel.

His Majesty received me informally at his palace in a small, stuffy room--his office, no doubt--and an untidy one it was too.