On coming on deck this morning found we were already among the islands of the archipelago and opposite the island Milo which we passed to the right of us - there between the islands of Serplio (Serfios) and Siphanto (Sifnos) - a number of other islands in sight among which are Paros and Antiparos - the former celebrated for its marble - and the latter for its Giotto the finest specimens of Grecian sculpture as the Venus de Medici and the apollo are of Parian marble, the quarries are not worked since the time of the Turks -

The island of Syra soon came in sight - vessel ran partly around it and passing a lighthouse on an island opposite, entered a busy little port where were laying two french steam packets (ships) and about 20 sail of ships of several flags, but principally Greek - Soon found to our disappointment that the french steamer was in quarantine and that we should have to wait for the Austrian packet of the 26th to go to Athens but as there was no remedy had to the best we could -

After some difficulty found a room at the Sucunda Greca - the ladies had still more difficulty in finding lodgings for Syra is a port of such recent and sudden growth that accommodations for travellors are very indifferent - the houses are generally very small and many of the streets are mere allies and very irregular - as it was my first entrance to a Greek town was much struck with the costume and manners of the people - as evening was already at hand had just time to climb the hill on the back of the town and take a view of the port and the surrounding mountains - with their tops gilded by the setting sun -

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