TACOMBS.

The catacombs, or under-ground cemeteries, are among the most
stupendous wonders of antiquity, and have ever since their discovery
excited the keenest interest of archaeologists.

The cut on page 875 is a plan of the catacombs of Rome. These alone
were years ago computed to be 590 miles in length, while Mr. Marchi,
in the light of more recent investigations and new discoveries has
calculated their length to be between 800 and 900 miles, and, that in
the sepulchral enclosures of their vast hollows between 6,000,000 and
7,000,000 of the human race have been entombed. Most of the catacombs
are situated from fifty to seventy-five feet below the surface of the
earth, not a ray of natural light can penetrate the dense blackness of
night which everywhere abounds. Woe to the man whose boldness leads
him to venture alone into these dark depths! So extensive and so
intricate are the corridors and passages that he must be irrevocably
lost and miserably perish in this endless labyrinth. Even the most
experienced guides, with burning torches in hand, would rather follow
only thoroughly explored passages, and care not to leave well-beaten
tracks.

The passages are from six to twelve feet high and have an average
width of from three to six feet. In the tufa rock of which their walls
are composed niches are hollowed out, one above the other, in which
the dead were laid, from three to six persons having been placed on
each side. All the passages and galleries have these ghastly linings,
and most of them end their long and dreary course in a chamber, as the
reader may observe on examining the cuts below.

These chambers are often of large dimensions, and were originally
adorned with great splendor and high art. They were the tombs of
wealthy and noble families, who spared neither labor nor money in
beautifying their final habitations. The walls and ceilings were
exquisitely sculptured and painted by the most gifted artists of the
age. Sarcophagi or coffins of bronze, of porphyry and other rare
marbles contained the bodies of the dead. On their massive lids and
sides were carved the forms and features of those lying within, so
that even to-day we are in possession of fine and accurate portraits
of ancient people. Around the sarcophagi were placed rich vases of
gold, drinking cups of silver, and many other valuable treasures dear
to the departed when alive. Statues of bronze and marble were ranged
about in lavish array and g