Or, FROM COIMBRA TO CEA BY WAY OF BUSSACO.

The Convent of Bussaco is a most uninteresting edifice, not having a single thing to recommend it to notice, excepting the grounds in which it is inclosed, from the highest part of which there is an extensive view of the sea, Coimbra, Aveiro, and the plains to the north to a very great distance; and some of the grand mountains to the east. The trees within the convent grounds are numerous, and some of the cedars are splendid in size; but the tree which most deserves notice is the cypress of Portugal (Cupressus Lusitanica), which so closely resembles the cedar as to be often mistaken for it. This remarkable kind of cypress was transported to Bussaco more than 250 years ago, from the mountains near Goa, and of which Link affirms that the first trees which were then planted still exist, and from which he believes are sprung all the others

of the like kind which are to be found in Portugal and in other parts of Europe; but splendid, indeed, as they are, all of them had nearly been burnt by the rapid approach of a terrific conflagration, which lately reduced to ashes the trees on all the mountains adjacent to the Bussaco Quinta. To arrest the ravages of this devouring fire, thousands of peasants from all parts were assembled, and, happily, the many years' labours of the friars in planting their retreat were not destroyed.

The effect produced on the mind of Count Hoffmansegg on visiting this convent and its quinta was very striking-a quinta in which the friars themselves were permitted to walk only once in fifteen days; but they have been dispersed far and wide, and for twenty years the touching words of the Count have ceased to be applicable either to them or to their gloomy habitation; yet the words themselves will never lose their charm, and they are therefore here quoted:— "Ce couvent consacré au silence, ce séjour solitaire, l'habillement bizarre des moines, remplissent l'âme d'une terreur involontaire. Oubliant le monde, oubliés par lui, les habitans de ces lieux se promènent à l'ombre des cyprès en gardant un silence religieux. On dirait que la religion a établi ici son trône majestueux et formidable."

He who visits the convent must take his food and wine with him, as well as provender for his horses.

He who feels pleasure in traversing sites where the blood of man has been shed like water, will at Bussaco have an opportunity of being gratified to his heart's content. The ride from the convent to S. Antonio do Cantaro, over the mountains, is as agreeable as it is bracing. Near Gondaling the Mondego can be crossed, and the road to Farinha Podre (strange name!) be taken, and the night passed at Venda do Porco. As the Estrella Mountain is neared, it becomes grand indeed in the direction of Gallizes and S. Ramão, if the fleecy clouds be sailing up its sides, half revealing their beauty.

Coimbra to Sardão, and thence to Sta. Combadão over the Boialva Mountains, is a pleasant journey, especially if there be time to go to Midoens, and thence to Cea and the Estrella.

LISBON. NO description of this remarkable city will be attempted, but such places are named as merit particular notice.

The Church cloister and Convent at Belem, be

longing formerly to the monks of S. Ieronymo, of which many varying accounts have been given, but to which no description can do justice. The columns which support the roof of the church are peculiarly graceful and light. It is believed that Batalha and this convent were raised by the same skilful hand, that of Stephen Stephenson, but who really was its architect can nowhere be learned.

The old archway of a new church facing the arsenal.

The Church of S. Roque and its chapel, with mosaics, which are excellent.

The Convent of the Estrella, and its elegant dome, from which there is a fine view of Lisbon.

The Ajuda Palace, and the hills contiguous to it, from which there is a very interesting view. The Public Library.

The Cathedral-is not very attractive.

The Botanical Garden at Belem.

The Palace of the Cortes.

Some of the churches have a beauty of their own. Several of the palaces of the nobility, such as that of the Duqueza de Bragança, and of the Marquis of Niza and others, which are of an extraordinary size, though not always in the best state of repair, should be seen. The palace of the Duke