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eruptions of which have been so often and so fatally experienced, is distant, in an eastern direction, about 'seven miles from Naples. It rises, insulated upon a vast and well cultivated plain, presenting two summits on the same base; in which particular it resembles Mount Parnassus. One of these, La Somma, is generally agreed to have been the Vesuvius of Strabo and the ancients; the other, having the greatest elevation, is the mouth of the volcano, which almost constantly emits smoke. Its height above the level of the sea is 3,900 feet, and it may be ascended by three different routes, which are very steep and difficult, from the conical form of the mountain, and the loose ashes which slip from under the feet; still from the distance it is not more than three Italian miles. The circumference of the platform on the top is 5,024 feet, or nearly a mile. Thence may be seen Portici, Capræa, Ischia, Pausilippo, and the whole coast of the Gulf of Naples, bordered with orange-trees: the prospect is that of Paradise seen from the infernal regions. On approaching the mountain, its aspect does not convey any impression of terror, nor is it gloomy, being cultivated for more than two-thirds of its height, and having only its brown top barren. There all verdure ceases; yet when it appears covered with clouds, which sometimes encompass its middle only, this circumstance rather adds to, than detracts from, the magnificence of the spectacle. Upon the lava which the volcano long ago ejected, and which, like great furrows, extend into the plain and to the sea, are built houses, villages, and towns. Gardens, vine yards, and cultivated fields surround them : but a sentiment of sorrow, blended with apprehension about the future, arises, on the recollection, that beneath a soil so fruitful and so smiling, lie edifices, gardens, and whole towns, swallowed up. Portici rests upon Herculaneum; its environs upon Resina; and at a little distance is Pompeii, in the streets of which, after more than seventeen centuries of non-existence, the astonished traveller now walks. After a long interval of repose, in the first year of the reign of Titus (the 79th of the Christian era), the volcano suddenly broke out, ejecting thick clouds of ashes and pumice stones, beneath which Herculaneum, Stabia, and Pompeii, were completely buried. This eruption was fatal to the elder Pliny, the historian, who fell a victim to his humanity and love of science.

There have been thirty-nine eruptions of Mount Vesuvius recorded by historians; the last one makes the fortieth. Previous to the recent eruption, Vesuvius displayed all round the openings which it had made at different periods, and to which they gave the name of mouths. From those openings flowed the lava, the name given the torrents of liquified matter which rushed out of the bursting sides of the Mount.

Running from the summit, it spreads over the fields at the bottom, and to the sea. The matter, when cold, hardens to a stone. It is used to pave the streets of Naples, and in the erection of solid buildings. The depth of the Gulf, or boiling matter, from which arises a constant smoke, is calculated to be about 543 feet. It is common, at all times when it has rained much, to see torrents of water descend with a loud noise from Vesuvius; but those which descend during an eruption do the most damage.

These waters, stopped at the foot of the mountain by immense masses of cinders and sand, which form a sort of dyke, augment their force, and render the fall more impetuous. To these floods of water, shocks of earthquakes are added, which continue at intervals during a month together.

The new eruption commenced on the 20th of October, about twelve a clock. A dreadful internal noise was heard throughout the neighbourhood; the lava began to appear, and soon flowed in a torrent about a mile broad, The next day a second body of lava, half a mile in breadth, issued forth, and covered the old lava on the side of Bosco-Tre-Case: a third and fourth stream soon afterwards burst forth.

The following particulars of the progress of the eruption are from private letters :

NAPLES, October, 23.--You will have heard, my dear brother, before this reaches you, of the awfully grand eruption of Vesuvius. Nothing simi lar has been witnessed since 1794, when the town of Torre del Greco, situated at about four miles from the crater, was partly destroyed. During the evening of the 21st, a little smoke appeared, and distinct reports of artile lery, as it seemed, proceeded from that part of the bay. Had the sky not been perfectly serene, one would have considered it to be thunder. Towards nine o'clock, however, a little fire appeared at the old crater, and left us no longer in doubt about the cause of the intonations. At a few minutes past 11,

it burst forth in all its fury, throwing Oct. 28. The eruption is completely out stones to a great height. In three at an end; but violent explosions of hours afterwards, the lava rolled forth cinders still continue. The inhabitants in two grand streams, one taking to- of the country have returned to their wards Resina, where the King's Villa, homes. Portici and la Torre del Grecalled La Favorita, is situated, and the co have suffered no other injury than other inclining in a more southerly di- what arises from their being in a great rection to Torre del Annunziata. The part covered with ashes and stones. A torrent of lava which flows towards portion of the territory of Resina is Resina has already covered 100 acres covered with lava, but only where lava of ground. The showers of ashes dark- had formerly lain. The tower of the en the sky, and fall even in the streets Annunciata has sustained injuries which of the capital. The stones which have it will not be easy either to estimate or fallen at Bosco-Tre-Case have accumu- repair. At Ottaiano the fire has conlated to the of five palms. The eruptions of stones are frequent, and the sounds which issue from the mountain are frightful. All the people who lived near the volcano have fled. About 800 persons from the neighbouring vil lages have been received by order of the Police and Prefecture.

Oct. 25.—The fire seems to-day to he spent, but as the wind has changed to the south-east, or, as it is called, Sirocco, the smoke and ashes have come over Naples, and the mountain with Portici, and all along the bay, are invisible, while at mid-day, torches are almost necessary, and umbrellas absolutely so. The King's Villa at Resina was yesterday stripped of its furniture, and I may say that the whole line of coast, from Portici to Castel-aMar, has been abandoned, unless we except the curious, who flock in crowds to see what is passing. The eruption of cinders and smoke at this moment presents appearance of a very thick and elevated black cone, which the wind blows towards Somma, Ottajano, and Nola. The number of individuals who fled from these villages angmented considerably yesterday. Last night about 2000 of these unfortunate persons received pecuniary assistance.

Oct 26. We expect that the eruption will soon entirely cease. The columns of cinders and smoke are decreasing, and the detonations are less frequent

Most of theoud than heretofore,

people who had fled are returning to their homes. It rained copiously last night, which has had the effect of purifying the atmosphere, which before was filled with clouds of black ashes. The rain, too, has washed the plants, which have assumed their natural colour, and appearance, which under our climate is, even at the end of autumn, so striking and agreeable. The summit of Vesuvius is visible, and it appears that the dreadful eruption which has taken place has torn away a part of the crest of the volcano.

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sumed 50 acres of wood. These are all the details which have hitherto reached us.

The following additional particulars of this interesting event are contained in another private letter from Naples, dated October 29 :

Vesuvius is comparatively quiet, but it still throws out immense columns of smoke, and the lapillo and fine ashes continue to rain round the country according to the direction of the wind. Yesterday the wind blew over Naples, and it was a very rainy day. To my surprise, on going out, I found that the water which fell was of the colour of mud; indeed so thickly was it mixed with a shower of the fine volcanio ashes, that it has besmeared the houses and trees, and every thing exposed, in a most curious manner.

The first stream of lava thrown cut at the west side of the crater, was about half a mile in breadth ; it passed between the hermitage of San Salva tore and the ruins of a little countryhouse belonging to the King, and descended towards Resina. After having damaged a considerable deal of land, it stopped at a spot called II Monte.

The second came out at the same time, and from the same mouth as the first; it was about two miles broad, and descended towards the village called Bosco di tre Case; but as it run over former lava, it did no injury.

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The third proceeded from a mouth that opened during this eruption low down the sides of the volcano; it ran towards the place called II Monte, but it also flowing over old lava, did no injury. The second and third stopped nearly in the same place.

The fourth and last descended from an old mouth called Vulcano, on the. south side; reaching Pedementina, it joined itself with a smaller stream of lava; thence it ran on over old lava, as far as the hollow called Atrio del Cavallo. It seemed to menace La Torre del Greco.

some,

It has been observed that the volca- But where the place? for Highgate nic matter, not lava, thrown out by Vesuvius this time, taken in mass, is much more considerable than the lava itself.

The damage done by the eruption is not so considerable as the dreadful and menacing appearances of the mountain would have induced me to imagine. Portici and the Torre del Greco have suffered no other inconvenience than that arising from some sharp showers of lapillo and ashes. Resina has had about twenty moggia of land covered. A moggia is a Neapolitan measure, equivalent to about four-fifths of au English acre. From the Torre del Greco to the Torre del Annunziata, the road is now covered to the depth of two feet with lapillo and fine ashes. The Torre del Annunziata has suffered most; all its finely cultivated lands are covered with a very thick stratum of lapillo and ashes. Near Ottajano, about forty or fifty moggia of wood were consumed. Yesterday, this part suffered greatly from a deluge of warm water, mixed with ashes.

A great number of labourers, aided by Austrian and Neapolitan soldiers, are employed in clearing the roads. The heavy rains which are expected at this season will do much, but I fear that the country round the Torre del Annunziata will not be speedily restored to the industry of man.

The distance at which the fine ashes have fallen is astonishing; the master of an English vessel, which came in last Saturday, gathered them on the deck the Wednesday evening preceding, when he was off the Tuscan coast, at least two hundred miles from Naples.

TOM RUBY'S JOURNEY;
OR,

LE MALADE IMAGINAIRE.

Tom Ruby was a merry wag
As any in the town,
And he full fifteen years had worn,
And grac'd the civic gown.

To carve a pig, or hare, or haunch,
Whatever was the work,
At table all gave up to Tom,

For handling knife or fork.

The summer's sultry heat now drives
Each Cit to his retreat;
To Margate some retire to bathe,
To Highbury some to eat.

The Club were at the Pigeons met,
And Ruby in the Chair,
Propos'd a dining country jaunt
Next Sunday, if 'twere fair.

And some for Hornsey vote; But the majority agree

To fix it more remote.

Says Tom, I recollect a place,

And think we're all in luck;
What think you of the Forest, Lads,

And Church, at the Roe-buck.
And there we'll have a nice snug haunch,
Some ducks-a bit of fish ;
With any other little thing,
By way of a side dish.
Leave me to cater, I'll provide

The thing that's neat and staunch; For Selby shall supply the fish,

Mott, ducks-and Birch, the haunch. Agreed nem. con.; and now bright Sol Bursts forth with ardent ray; 'Twas Sunday, and it soon became

A sweltering summer's day. The Pigeons was the rendevouz

Where they agreed to meet, And there each member's steed so sleek Stood waiting in the street. But first each traveller, ere he mounts, Demands th' accustom'd lunch, And washes down the sav'ry bit

With wine, or ale, or punch. To horse! to horse! now mounted, each Firm on his charger sat: All but Tom Ruby, who was gone In quest of his lost hat. Now ill betide the man who made

Hat-lining like a purse,

And raised the crown, for 'twas to Tom A temporary curse!

He sought his hat both high and low,

And many a curse did mutter,
At length 'twas found, and in the crown
Sly hid a lump of butter!

Tom puts it on, then mounts his steed,
To join his comrades flies,
And dashes over Mile-end road,

While clouds of dust arise.

By this time butter 'gan to melt,

And Tom began to sweat,
Bless me! says he, how I perspire!
I am quite wringing wet!

See here, my friends, see how it pours
A down my face and nose!

I never did thus sweat before-
It drenches all my clothes!

Why, Tom (says one,) you are unwell,
Your looks are pale and wan!

And my advice is, get to bed
As soon as e'er you can.

The landlord.

And yon, my friends, take care of him,
While I push nimbly on,
To get a comfortable bed
To lay our friend upon.

Now Tom, surrounded by his friends,
Moves on with gentler pace,
While each man his opinion gives,
Of this alarming case.

Says one I do remember well

(I think it is in Stowe)

A case like this; a dreadful scourge,
Three hundred years ago:
The sweating sickness it was call'd,
And if I read aright,
Whoever was attacked at morn,

Was sure to die that night?!

Indeed! quoth Tom, then pray move on, And let me get repose;

I feel it now from head to foot

I'm sweating at my toes!

Now all arrived at the Roe buck,

Poor Tom is put to bed,
With strictest orders that no noise
May trouble his poor head.
Thus leaving him to his repose,

They all adjourn to dine,
But slily from among his clothes
His waistcoat they purloin :
Which given to the chamber-maid,
She strictly is enjoined

(And promis'd something for her pains) To take it in behind.

So said, so done, Sally begins,

Now turns the waistcoat o'er,
And, gath'ring up the back, sews up
Some five inches or more.
Then stealing softly to his room,

She hears him gently doze,
And slily puts the waistcoat down
Among his other clothes.

Meantime the jolly lads below,

In ven'son knuckle deep,

Now Tom, assisted by his friend,

Put on his clothes in haste; But when his waistcoat he tried on,

With fear he stood aghast.

Mercy upon us! how I'm swell'd:
I ne'er was so before!
My waistcoat will not meet in front,
By five inches or more!

O Lord! I'm struck with death I'm sure!
I presently shall burst!
I'm in a fever!-give me drink
To quench this raging thirst:
His friends with well-feigned grief attend
His chamber round about,

And one sly rogue with penknife keen
Soon lets the waistcoat out.

Another wag says I suspect

Tis wind within him pent, That swells him thus; I therefore move He take some nutriment.

Now try to dress yourself, friend Tom,
"Tis wind that thus does teaze you;
Tom tries his waistcoat, and bawls out,
Zounds! now it buttons easy!

See how I'm fall'n in the waist!
Five inches round about !
And yet I marvel, as 'twas wind,
Which way it has got out!
Light gruel, and a thin dry toast,
Is brought for Tom's repast.
As grosser food ('twas said) might hurt,
After a ten hours' fast!

Now cautiously they lead him down,
Then mount him on his steed,
While he with rueful face declares
A strong desire to feed.

But food they all declare is bad
For his peculiar case,

Aud now tow'rds London back again,
They jog with moderate pace.
And Ruby safe arriv'd at home,
Goes supperless to bed,

Push round the haunch, and wag their There dreams all night of city treats,

chins,

Then drink" Our friend asleep!"
The dinner done, and cloth remov'd,
For drinking each prepares,
And now a member is dispatch'd
To see how Ruby fares.

How fares it, Tom ?—I'm better now,

My sweat has left me quite,
Do move this pillow, lend your hand,
I'll strive to sit upright.
Strive to sit up! you shall go down,

And join our friends below; Come, I'll help dress you, here's your clothes,

'Twill do you good, I know.

With tables nobly spread.

An ample breakfast he takes down

Next morn-two pounds at least; But, cursing the Roc-buck, declares He'll not go there to feast.

THE MERMAID.

To the Editor of the Mirror.

I see by the papers, that the Mermaid, after having escaped the attempts of Collectors, who would have immured her in their Museums; and the barbarity of the Surgeons, who wanted to dissect her, is at lastuto use an expression at the sound of which every experienced man's face instinc

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