A fog deprived us of the view from the top of the mountain; but, by what I saw at the Hermitage, I think it would have been impossible to describe it. The bay of Naples is upwards of fifty miles in circumference, and the variety of curious and beautiful objects, which strike the eye in every direction, render it one of the most pleasing and interesting sights which it is possible to behold. The capital of the kingdom is in the center, with a superb Carthusian monastery, and the Castle of St. Ilmo above it. On the west the public walk of the Chiaja, adorned with several elegant fountains, and a double row of trees. Beyond it Mount Pausilippe, with the Tomb of Virgil; the road and town of Puzzoli; the Solfaterra, and Monte Nuovo; the remains of the Lucrine Lake, and the ruins of Baia, bounded by the celebrated Cape of Misenus, and the Isle of Ischia. On the east the gardens, palace, and museum of Portici, built over the ruins of Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius throwing forth an amazing volume of smoke in a variety of shapes, according to the wind, with its base covered with vineyards, convents, and villas, rising out of the ashes of Pompeia and Stabia. Beyond these Castello Mare, closed by the Promontory of Gampenela, and the Island of Capria. The whole country is in the highest state of cultivation, richly clothed with beautiful trees, most of which are evergreens. The entrance of the bay is on the south-west side, and is near fifteen miles wide. Off the town there are two moles, one for the King's galleys, the other for the larger men of war and merchantmen, with three castles to defend them. But notwithstanding these works, and the Citadel of St. Ilmo, which, from its height, is unassailable, and that its garrison is sheltered by excellent casemates, I think ten sail of the line might lay this capital in ashes, as a first rate man of war may lie close to the shore. By Sir William Hamilton's desire, we, this morning, took a boat from the Pearl, and after rowing along the west side of the town, and passing the ruins of Queen Joan's Palace, landed at a small village, he was so good as to point out to us, in the neighbourhood of which we saw the remains of Pollio's Villa, with the subterranean fish-ponds, in which he used to feed lampreys on human flesh. There are some busts of his family in the garden, and several inscriptions to remind us of his abominable luxury. LETTER VIII. TO CAPTAIN SMITH. Naples, September 24th. MY DEAR FRIEND,