assage to Naples, after which the latter
took his leave.

_Sunday, December 23rd._--They took a walk over the Silk Company's
estate, which they had visited early in the autumn. Since that time
about 3000 young trees had been transplanted, new walls had been
erected, ditches cut, and ground prepared for the reception of French
and Neapolitan shrubs. They were disappointed to learn that the sale
of the garden produce scarcely brought enough to cover the expense of
sending it to market, fruit and vegetables being so plentiful and
cheap. The orange trees were almost breaking down under their load of
fruit, which scarcely paid for the gathering. The "nopal" or prickly
pears have been rooted up, as well as most of the vines and figs. A
few young nopals have been planted, and some preparation made for
experiments in cochineal. Mr Montefiore writes: "The ditches
discovered on the south side of the valley have evidently been ancient
tombs. Those on the hill, round and near the palace, were no doubt
planted with trees, and there is every reason to believe that they may
be found running in every direction on the estate."

Sir Edward Codrington offered them a convoy for the next day, but Mr
Montefiore requested him to permit the _Mastiff_, Captain Copeland, to
take them to Naples, which request was kindly granted.

_Sunday, December 30th._--In the evening the Admiral sent his
Secretary to Mr Montefiore with the letters, requesting that he would
deliver them personally--one to Lord Burghersh at Florence, and
another to the Duke of Clarence.

_Monday, December 31st._--"A very tempestuous day," he writes; "the
wind is so high that it is impossible for any vessel to get out of the
harbour. We must have patience, and wait a little longer. I feel
rather better," he adds, "but my neck still continues troublesome."
This being the last day of the civil year, a feeling of deep
thankfulness prompts him to end his diary with a prayer similar to the
one he uttered on the conclusion of the Jewish year.

The homeward journey was not marked by any incidents which call for
special description. Wherever the travellers halted they followed the
daily itinerary, which, once settled, was never departed from, and it
was as follows:--First they repaired to Synagogue, then they went to
the principal Jewish communal schools and institutions, and in the
course of the afternoon exchanged visits with friends or with those to
whom they had letters of intr