The summit rose cloudless and free; no smoke came from the crater, nor could we discover a trace of snow as we returned to our ship.

We noticed several heaps of lava piled upon the sea-shore, of a perfectly black colour.
Late in the evening we adjourned to an inn to refresh ourselves with some good dishes, and afterwards returned to the steamer, which weighed anchor at midnight.
October 6th.
We awoke in the harbour of Messina.

The situation of this town is lovely beyond description.

I was so charmed with it that I stood for a long time on deck without thinking of landing.
A chain of beautiful hills and huge masses of rock in the background surround the harbour and town.

Every where the greatest fertility reigns, and all things are in the most thriving and flourishing condition.