The cost of constructing this splendid and useful fountain was great but it ranks among the most interesting objects ;

conspicuously embellishing the city of Rome."

" The Piazza Novana has a very noble fountain standing in its centre. It is composed of a large circular marble basin 79 feet in diameter, in the middle of which is placed a rock of square form with apertures at the sides. The figure of a lion adorns one side, and that of a sea-horse another. From the base to the top of the rock, the height is about 14 feet ; and on its summit stands an Egyptian obelisk formed of red granite, 55 feet in height, and covered with hieroglyphics. At the four sides of the rock are colossal marble statues, which designate the four great rivers in different quarters of the world : viz. the Danube, the Nile, the Ganges, and the Plata : and from these statues the water flows in copious streams to the spacious basin below.

' The Nile and Ganges from the silver tide :

La Plata too, and Danube's streams unite Their liquid treasures, copious, clear and bright.'

" During the summer, it is the custom occasionally to permit the water to overflow the whole square, for the entertainment of the people ; and on midsummer's eve persons amuse themselves by wading and driving through the flood. This practice has sometimes been attended with fatal acci-

dents, and not only men but horses have actually been drowned in the attempts to pass it in carriages.