which was then opened;-while others entered the corridor from the vestry, passed through the crowd to the other end, and broke down the door at the bottom of the steps;-but unfortunately their exertions were not in time to save the unhappy sufferers.

Many, however, were taken out fainting and soon recovered; others apparently lifeless were afterwards brought to their senses; but, sad to relate, one hundred and ten boys of from 8 to 15 years of age perished on this occasion from suffocation, by being pressed together in so small a space, or trampled upon.

HOSPITALS.

The present Military Hospital, situated at the lower extremity of Strada Mercanti, was formerly the public building used for the reception of the sick by the Knights of Malta. It is a very commodious edifice, containing many ranges of rooms, disposed in excellent order for the free circulation of air, with a spacious court, in the centre of which is a good fountain. During the existence of the Order, this establishment was open to strangers as well as to the citizens, for whom suitable accommodations were provided.

The sick were regularly attended by the knights in person, provided with medicines and medical assistance free of expense, and their food served up to them in vessels of silver.

a provision made for foundlings.

Here also was

The direction of this institution, after the Grandmaster, was committed to the chief Hospitaller, which dignity appertained to the French knights. To him belonged the election of the Overseer of the Infirmary, the Prior, and other ministers. The Overseer generally resided in the Hospital; to the Prior was committed the charge of the spiritual concerns of the patients, and the other ecclesiastical servants helped in assisting the sick, and in celebrating the sacrament in the different wards. To the right hand, on entering the chief gate of the Hospital, was the Pharmacy of the establishment, well supplied with all kind of drugs and medicines. This is used for the same purpose at the present day.

On the arrival of the French, they seized upon all the plate which was to be found in the establishment, and converted the building into a Military Hospital. The inhabitants being obliged to demand another, the Nunnery of Sta. Maddalena was given them, the nuns promptly yielding their residence for the purpose, some of whom

up

retired in to the Monastery of Sta. Catarina, and others went to their homes.

Close by was the cemetery for all persons who died in the Hospital, and adjoins a small church called the Church of the Cemetery, founded by the Commendatore Fra Giorgio Nibbia, who is himself buried there. Upon a part of the locality which formed the burial-ground is now built a semicircular building, set apart for dissection, and practical lessons in anatomy, to the students who attend the Government University. By the side of this is a very extensive charnel-house, containing many thousand sculls and human bones, which have been dug up from time to time out of the cemetery.

Close to the above is the public Female Hospital, founded in the year 1646 by the Lady Catarina Scoppi Senese, who bequeathed the building to the public, and endowed it with all her wealth. This institution was likewise under the direction of two knights of the Order, who were called Commissioners. At present it serves the same purpose as formerly, and the sick are attended to with every possible care.

Opposite this building is the public Male Hospital, which in the time of the Order, as I have mentioned above, was a Nunnery of The Penitents, dedicated to Sta. Maria Maddalena. Whilst

1

this establishment existed, by order of the Pope, it was partly supported by the fifth portion of the inheritance of prostitutes. The church which adjoined it is now made use of as a ward for the wounded, and such as have broken limbs. Both Hospitals are at present under the direction of the local government, who employ all the funds which were left to their support for the purpose of rendering a very possible assistance to the poor who apply for admittance. Twice a week the relations and friends of the sick are permitted to visit any whom they may have in the Hospital, but are obliged to undergo the strictest search lest they carry in something concealed about their persons, which might be injurious to those under medical treatment.

Opposite the Military Hospital is another large building, which is at present occupied by private families. The part to the right was formerly called La Camarata, where a number of the more pious knights were accustomed to reside, and where they assembled together at stated hours for devotion. The left division, called La Lingerie, was set apart as a magazine for the linen and other articles required for the service of the Hospital. Here also the bedding and clothing of the patients were washed. This building was

erected in the year 1593 under the Grandmaster Cardinal Verdala, and subsequently repaired during the reign of the Grandmaster Lascaris.

MONTE DI PIETA,

or

PUBLIC PAWN-BROKERY.

This institution occupies a large building in Strada Mercanti, opposite the house called Il Banco dei Giurati. It was originally established in the year 1597, and like all institutions of the sort in other parts of Europe, particularly at Rome, with the object of affording pecuniary relief to the distressed at reasonable interest, thereby preventing them from having recourse to usurious contracts. Any sum of money, however small, is advanced to applicants on the security of property given in pawn, such as gold, silver, and other precious articles, or wearing apparel, whether worn or new. The period of the loan is for three years on pawns of the first description, and never more than two on those of the latter, renewable at the option of the parties, who are also at liberty to redeem their pawns at