sphere it is capable of resisting decay for lengthened periods, though it becomes discoloured. Much, how ever, depends on the proper selection of the stone in the quarry itself. For statuary purposes, it is admirably adapted ; and, although held in less esteem than Parian and Pentellic marbles, it has formed the material out of which have been fashioned some of the noblest creations which the intellect has designed, and hand of man produced. Of these, the Apollo Belve dere, in the Vatican collection, is considered the finest example taken from ancient art; while, in more modern times, Carrara has produced the blocks out of which Michael Angelo and Canova have chiselled their immortal works. Amongst the monuments of ancient Borne, we recognise this material in a state of wonderful pre servation. It is probable that the column of the Emperor Aurelius, if not that of Trajan, both covered with sculptured figures; the triumphal arches of Titus, of Septimus Severus, and of Constantine, all more or less well preserved ; and some of the columns which belonged to the temples round the Forum Bomanum, are of stone taken from the quarries of the Northern Apennines. 1 green serpentine (Verde di Cesto) and reddish sandstone, recently introduced. 1 Not, however, including the three beautiful Corinthian columns K