In Naples the squares or _Piazze_ are called _Larghi_; they are exceedingly irregular as to shape; a trapezium would be the most appropriate denomination for them. The _Largo di Medina_ is situated close to the Mole and light house and is not far from the _Largo del Palazzo_ where the Royal Palace stands, nor from the _Strada di Toledo_, which is the most bustling part of the town. On the Mole and sometimes in the _Largo di Medini_ Pulcinello holds forth all day long, quacks scream out the efficacy of their nostrums and _improvisatori_ recite battles of Paladins. Here and in the _Strada di Toledo_ the noise made by the vendors of vegetables, fruit, lemonade, iced water and water-melons, who on holding out their wares to view, scream out "_O che bella cosa_!"--the noise and bustle of the cooks' shops in the open air and the cries of "_Lavora_!" made by the drivers of _calessini_ (sort of carriage) makes such a deafening _tintamarre_ that you can scarcely hear the voice of your companion who walks by your side. In the _Largo del Palazzo_ there is always a large assembly of officers and others, besides a tolerable quantity of _ruffiani_, who fasten upon strangers in order to recommend to them their female acquaintances. A little further is the Quai of St Lucia, where the fish market is held, and here the cries increase. The quantity of fish of all sorts caught in the bay and exposed for sale in the market is immense and so much more than can be sold, that the rest is generally given away to the _Lazzaroni_. Here are delicious mullets, oysters, whitings, soles, prawns, etc. There is on the Quai of St Lucia a _restaurant_ where naught but fish is served, but that is so well dressed and in such variety that amateurs frequently come to dine here on _maigre_ days; for two _carlini_[95] you may eat fish of all sorts and bread at discretion. The wine is paid for extra. On the Quai of St Lucia is a fountain of mineral water which possesses the most admirable qualities for opening the _primae viae_ and purifying the blood. It is an excellent drink for bilious people or for those afflicted with abdominal obstructions and diseases of the liver. It has a slight sulfurous mixed with a ferruginous taste, and is impregnated with a good deal of fixed air, which makes it a pleasant beverage. It should be taken every morning fasting. The presidency over this fountain is generally monopolized by a piscatory nymph who expects a _grano_ for the trouble of filling you a glass or two. In reaching it to you she never fails to exclaim _"Buono per le natiche,"_ and it certainly has a very rapid effect; I look upon it as more efficacious than the Cheltenham waters and it is certainly much more agreeable in taste. At the end of the Quai of St Lucia is the _Castello dell 'Uovo,_ a Gothic fortress, before the inner gate of which hangs an immense stuffed crocodile. This crocodile is said to have been found alive