IO BRIDGE, FLORENCE, ITALY.--Florence is situated
on both banks of the Arno, but by far the greatest part of the city
lies on the right bank. The bridge in the picture dates back to
the fourteenth century, and is flanked on both sides with shops
which have belonged to gold-smiths ever since their erection. It
forms one of the principal bridgeways between the city proper and
that portion of Florence which stands on the south bank of the
Arno, and has always been considered one of the greatest sights
of the town.]

[Illustration: MONK, ITALY.--Monasticism primarily meant the state
of dwelling alone; and then, by an easy and natural transition, it
came to denote a life of poverty, celibacy and divine obedience
under fixed rules of discipline. The radical idea of the term, in
all its varieties of age, creed and country, is the same, namely,
retirement from society in search of some ideal life, which society
cannot supply, but which is thought attainable by self-denial and
withdrawal from the world. The picture represents an Italian monk
in funeral attire.]

[Illustration: LOGGIA DEI LANZI, FLORENCE, ITALY.--This magnificent
open-vaulted hall is one of the kind with which it was usual to
provide both public and private patrons of Florence, in order that
the inmate might enjoy the open air or participate in public
demonstrations, without being obliged to descend to the street.
The style of architecture shows a falling off from the Gothic,
while the works of sculpture, representing Faith, Hope and Charity,
Temperance and Fortitude, exhibit an incipient leaning toward
Renaissance forms. Every afternoon the Loggia is crowded with the
poorer people of Florence, who seek a cool spot in the open air.]

[Illustration: UFFIZI BUILDINGS, FLORENCE, ITALY.--This gallery
originated with the Medici collections and was afterwards so improved
with the numerous additions by the Lorraine Family, that it is
now one of the best in the world, both for value and extent. The
Portico of the Uffizi Gallery, seen on both sides of the open court,
contains niches, which are adorned with marble statues of celebrated
Tuscans. At the farthest end of the court, rises the Vecchio Palace,
a castle-like building, with huge projecting battlements, being
originally the seat of the Signora, and subsequently used as a
casino.]

[Illustration: RAPE OF POLYXENA (BY FEDI), LOGGIA DEI LANZI, FLORENCE,
ITALY.--Polyxena, according to Greek legend, was the daughte