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IF the readers of this volume will be so kind as to take their credentials for the different places whichare the subject of its author's reminiscences, from the Author himself, perhaps they may visit them, in fancy, the more agreeably, and with a better understanding of what they are to expect.Many books have been written upon Italy, affording many means of studying the history of thatinteresting country, and the innumerable associations entwined about it. I make but little referenceto that stock of information; not at all regarding it as a necessary consequence of my having hadrecourse to the storehouse for my own benefit, that I should reproduce its easily accessible contentsbefore the eyes of my readers.Neither will there be found, in these pages, any grave examination into the government ormisgovernment of any portion of the country. No visitor of that beautiful land can fail to have astrong conviction on the subject; but as I chose when residing there, a Foreigner, to abstain from thediscussion of any such questions with any order of Italians, so I would rather not enter on theinquiry now. During my twelve months' occupation of a house at Genoa, I never found thatauthorities constitutionally jealous were distrustful of me; and I should be sorry to give themoccasion to regret their free courtesy, either to myself or any of my countrymen.There is, probably, not a famous Picture or Statue in all Italy, but could be easily buried under amountain of printed paper devoted to dissertations on it. I do not, therefore, though an earnestadmirer of Painting and Sculpture, expatiate at any length on famous Pictures and Statues.This Book is a series of faint reflections-mere shadows in the water-of places to which theimaginations of most people are attracted in a greater or less degree, on which mine had dwelt foryears, and which have some interest for all. The greater part of the descriptions were written on thespot, and sent home, from time to time, in private letters. I do not mention the circumstance as anexcuse for any defects they may present, for it would be none; but as a guarantee to the Reader thatthey were at least penned in the fulness of the subject, and with the liveliest impressions of noveltyand freshness.If they have ever a fanciful and idle air, perhaps the reader will suppose them written in the shade ofa Sunny Day, in the midst of the objects of which they treat, and will like them none the worse forhaving such influences of the country upon them.I hope I am not likely to be misunderstood by Professors of the Roman Catholic faith, on accountof anything contained in these pages. I have done my best, in one of my former productions, to dojustice to them; and I trust, in this, they will do justice to me. When I mention any exhibition thatimpressed me as absurd or disagreeable, I do not seek to connect it, or recognise it as necessarilyconnected with, any essentials of their creed. When I treat of the ceremonies of the Holy Week, Imerely treat of their effect, and do not challenge the good and learned Dr. Wiseman's interpretationof their meaning

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