Amigos. The ride to Coimbra is not particularly The objects at Coimbra deserving interesting. notice, are: The Old Cathedral, especially the archway over the western entrance, which, unhappily, is fast crumbling away. The University, and the fine view from its tower. The Library. The Hall, in which degrees are conferred, adorned with portraits of the sovereigns of Portugal; and the smaller hall, in which are the portraits of the successive rectors of the university. The Botanical Garden. The view of the city from the southern side of the Mondego is fine, Coimbra, like Oporto and Lisbon, being built on hills, but its streets soon destroy all illusions of beauty; the scenery around it is, however, of a very picturesque character, and the banks of the river are at times enchanting. The Quinta das Lagrimas, opposite to the city, is visited by all who have ever been touched by the sorrowful life and sad death of Ignez de Castro. General Trant caused a tablet to be placed in this quinta, with an inscription from Camoens, in allusion to the name of its fountain. From Coimbra to Bussaco is a pleasant morning's ride. The country between Coimbra and Condeixa is very fertile, and the entire journey to Leiria is interesting. From the castle of Leiria there is an extensive and fine view. From Porto de Moz the traveller can go to Minde, and ascend the mountain called Serra d'Aire or Minde (2150 feet above the level of the sea), from which he will enjoy a splendid and most extensive view, though less extensive than its curious name, 'O Cabecinho de todo o Mundo," would 66 From Aira de Calva to that part of the mountain south of Louzaa on which a building or tower (called Trevim) was erected for trigonometrical purposes, the ascent is gradual; and from its summit a view of an extraordinarily grand character almost astonishes the traveller, embracing the ocean and the intervening country towards Figueirò, on the west; the splendid range of the Estrella Mountains to the north-east; Coimbra and Bussaco, and all the country as far as the eye can reach, to the north. Ladies of common enterprise could make the journey from Coimbra to Pedrogão, and it would amply repay them for their trouble by its glorious and almost unique character. The distance is short from Pedrogão to the Ponte de Cabril, a bridge which, for its position, has no equal, and where one hundred men could prevent the passage of an army over the Zezere, the scenery of which is there of the wildest and most savage character, and yet its existence is all but unknown to travellers in Portugal. From Pedrogão Grande to Pedrogão Pequeno is one league. The road from the former to Thomar is of never-ceasing interest, varying every league in its character. In autumn the Zezere is so low, that the number 13 may be counted during the falling of a stone into it from the Ponte de Cabril, which bridge it all but touches after a great storm. After leaving the bridge, the |