In one of these grottoes water fell from above, forming a very pretty cataract.
During this excursion the time had passed so rapidly that I was soon compelled to think, not of a visit to the catacombs, but of my return on board.
I proceeded to the sea-shore, where the Syracusans have built a very pretty promenade, and was rowed back to the steamer.
Of all the passengers I was the only one who had seen any thing of Syracuse; all the rest had spent the greater part of the time allowed them in the inn, and at most had been for a short walk in the town.

But they had obtained an exceedingly good dinner; and thus we had each enjoyed ourselves in our own way.
At three o'clock we quitted the beautiful harbour of Syracuse, and three hours brought us to CATANEA.
This voyage was one of the most beautiful and interesting that can be imagined.

The traveller continually sees the most charming landscapes of blooming Sicily; and at Syracuse we can already descry on a clear day the giant Etna rearing its head 10,000 feet above the level of the sea.
At six in the evening we disembarked; but those going farther had to be on board again by midnight.

I had intended to remain at Catanea and ascend Mount Etna; but on making inquiries I was assured that the season was too far advanced for such an undertaking, and therefore resolved to set sail again at midnight.

I went on shore in company with a Neapolitan and his wife, for the purpose of visiting some of the churches, a few public buildings, and the town itself.