XVI CONTENTS.

SilpHura and of the Extract from it — Extraordinary Cause of the first Appearance of the Sil-

phium in the Cyrenaica, as mentioned hy Pliny on the authority of Greek Writers — Effects

produced by the Plant on the Sheep and Cattle who were allowed to eat it — Similar Effects

produced hy the Plant observed by the Expedition on Camels — Extraordinary Medicinal

Qualities imputed to the Silphium by Pliny — The use of it recommended by the Roman

Naturalist as a sovereign remedy for almost everything but the Tooth-ache — Fatal Conse-

quences recorded by Pliny, of applying it in the Case last mentioned — Silphium offered by the People of Cyrene to their first King Battus, as the most valuable Production of their

Country — State in which the Plant observed by the Expedition most resembles the Silphium

on the Coins of Cyrene — Partition of the Road from Merge to Cyrene — Extensive Traces of

Building observed along the ancient, or lower Road — Approach to Cyrene indicated by innu-

merable Sarcophagi and Tombs — Position of these along the sides of the Roads, as observable

at Pompeii and other ancient Towns — Frequent Traces of Chariot-wheels still observable

along the Roads, deeply indented in the rocky Soil of the Place — The earlier Tombs distin-

guished by their simplicity and good taste — The later by a more ornamented and less perfect

style — Busts and Statues scattered everywhere about among the Tombs — Difference of Style and Character observable in these — Remains of an Aqueduct — Fountain of Cyrene - 405

CHAPTER XVI.

Description of the Fountain — Excavations which enclose it — Sculptured Tablet discovered

at the entrance of one of the Chambers — Early Character of its Style — Beautiful Bas- Relief in white Marble discovered near the Fountain — Indications of Porticoes in front of

the excavated Chambers — Greek Inscription cut over one of them — Remains in front of the

Fountain — Aqueduct above it — Peripteral Temple, probably of Diana — Female Statue dis-

covered there — Position of Cyrene — Delightful View from the Town — Excavated Galleries

and Tombs — Nature and Style of the Tombs — Variet}' displayed in the disposition of their

Interiors — Remains of Painting discovered in them — Suite of what appear to be Allegorical

Compositions, painted on the Metopes of one of the Doric Tombs — Practice, at Cyrene, of

painting the several Members of Architecture — Remarks connected with this Practice 424

CHAPTER XVII.

Arrival of Captain Smyth at Derna — Our Party set out from Cyrene to meet him — Remains of

Ancient Forts, and Sarcophagi observed on the Journey — Marks of Chariot-wheels in the

Stony Track indicative of an ancient Road — Barren Appearance of the Mountains which rise at

the back of Derna — Perilous Descent from their Summit to the Plain below — Exhausted condi-

tion of our Horses in accomplishing it — Arrive at Derna, where we found the Adventure, and

wait upon Captain Smyth — Description of the town of Derna — Ravages occasioned by the

Plague there — Prompt Measures of Mahommed Bey in subduing it — Some Account of