Went on shore early this morning made an excurtion in the environs of Catania in a carriage - took a light breakfast at eight and then visited the Benediction Convent and a princely palace it is - its gardens, halls and corridors being more like a palace - the find organ of the church was played for our entertainment - the instrument is the largest in Italy and very melodious - part of the overture to the opusce of Novena was performed exquisitely - in the eruption of Etna in 63 - a tremendous stream of lava came up close to the walls of this convent and then turned another way by good fortune without injuring the building - a mass of lava 50ft high is in the yard of the convent -

At 11 o'clock got under way for Syracusa - a distance of 50 miles - after passing the black masses of lava with which the sea shore is lined - the coast is more low and less than between Messina and Catania - five hours brings us in sight of Syracusa (Siracusa) - first passing a low bare rocky shore which when Syracusa was in her greatness that part of the city called Arcadina -

We were soon round the fort and into the port which is formed by the island of Ortigia and on which is situated the city - wandered during the evening among the narrow streets and round the fortified walls of the city which are very strong - myself and Captain Clegg found lodgings ashore this evening a the Hotel del Sols

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