PREFACE. THIS volume is compiled from the writer's Journal of several tours in Italy, made between the years 1856 and 1859. Having had, although a protestant, the advantage accidentally thrown in his path of an introduction to the Superior of a Convent at Genoa, where he remained some weeks on a visit, this led, indirectly, to introductions to other monasteries in different parts of Italy, in which he successively became a visitor. The author has ventured, in the following pages, to publish the result of his experience and observation in these several monasteries, believing the subject (however inadequately handled) to be both interesting in itself, and one which has not hitherto been treated in books of Italian travel, the peculiar opportunities enjoyed by the author having |