10 ROMAN EXPLORATION FUND. an interest in archreology : he preserved a curious old cluu-oli at Soest, at my suggestion, some years since. The French and the Kussiiuis have ah'eady done tiieir part ; the Knghsh have done a little, hut very little, and the Americans less ; hut our Atneric;ui cousins are heginning to take great interest in the matter, and may also he stirred up to act seriously for preserving those important evidences of the truth of history. The name of Exploration was properly given to this Fund, instead of Exca- vations ; because, although explorations in Rome must chiefly be made by means of excavations, we can sometimes explore subterranean pas- sages and cellars without excavation, and we can t;ike advantage of the excavations made by others for our j)ui'pose. There is reason to believe that a great part of Itome is undermiucel liy subterranean passages, and that many cellars contain reuiains of ancient buildings of importance. This is the real Roma Sottirranea, not the Catacombs, which are two or three miles from the city, under vineyards. The monks and nuns are now permitted to sell their gardens and vineyards, which occupy more than half the space within the walls of Home; and although there is a great demand for them, the price would still be moderate compared to what it must be ten years hence. Upwards of 2000 houses are now building in Rome ; but many more will be wanted, with manufactories and warehouses, to avoid the heavy duties at the gates. It is known that upwards of 7000 govern- ment clerks for the Finance department are still waiting in Florence until the new offices are ready, and houses will be wanted for thcni and their families. TUK EXCAVATIONS AUK NOW SUSPENDED FOli WANT 01' FUNDS.
