74

LIFE OF COLONEL MACERONI.

only saw two of them entire. The construction of theseCyclopean walls is polyangular, so as to present the exactcondition of an ancient Roman paved road, set up perpen-dicularly. The generality of the stones of the walls ofArpinum are larger than those of the Roman roads. Manyof them are five and more feet in diameter. The numberof angles of each stone is seldom less than, or so few as, four.It would be a fruitless task to seek for any two, amongst somany thousand stones, of a similar size or shape, and it isvery surprising, with what nicety and precision each issuited to the surrounding ones, so that every salliant anglemeets Math a rentrant one exactly fitting it. It is evidentthat no particle of mortar was ever applied; the massesand excellent juxtaposition constitute the great solidity.The gateways belonging to these walls are still more worthyof notice. Two large blocks, each weighing I should thinktwelve or fifteen tons, form the base on each side. Uponthese, other stones, almost as large, are placed perpendicu-larly to the height of about six feet. Upon these, otherstones about two feet thick, and six in length, are placed,projecting inwards about a foot, and so in succession tillthey meet at the apex of the angle so formed. A hugestone, ten feet long, and three in thickness, completes thisarch (if we may so call it), by being placed centrally on thetwo stones that meet.

My letters of introduction for Arpinum were addressed toMessrs. Antonio and Benedetto, brothers, in whose ex-cellent and spacious house we were entertained with cordial,though somewhat profuse, hospitality. These gentlemenhad an extensive woollen cloth manufactory, of which thereare a great many in that town and district, extending to thebeautiful neighbouring towns of Sora, and Isold di Sora.Each of these brothers was distinguished for very extra-