The utilisation of the fruit of the island, as a means of profit is now never thought of; even the celebrated vegetables of Cyprus are now almost unknown, and the inhabitants content themselves with gathering wild cresses, artichokes, purslane, and asparagus. The olive-tree, however, as we have said, is still largely grown, cultivated we cannot call it, as not only the planting, but the gathering the fruit, and expressing the oil, are carried on in the most careless manner. Without the olive, however, sorry indeed would be the fare of the Cypriotes. Potatoes flourish in the mountainous districts and kolokasia in low-lying regions. Melons, pumpkins, and gherkins are also found in great profusion. During the last forty years, Greek and French enterprise has made various efforts to bring about a better state of things. What may not now be hoped for when this luxuriant island is again under a paternal dominion and the safety of individual rights secured? At all times, snakes, which, however, are not dangerous, tarantulas, and venomous spiders abounded in the island, and Dr. Clarke gives a forcible description of its insect pests. Speaking of the tarantula, he describes one species of about an inch long, as having “a body of bright yellow, and beset with long and prickly hairs. It runs with prodigious swiftness, and thus more easily escapes its destruction, in which mankind are interested; its bite being very dangerous, and its venom very subtle. The parts which are attacked by it swell in an instant, and occasion excessive pain, followed by death if certain remedies be not speedily applied.” The cultivation of the sugar-cane is now quite unknown in Cyprus, and the cotton-plant is only grown in a few districts. It has been erroneously stated that the natives will not touch the flesh of the ox, from the idea that it would be cruel to eat the companion of their labours. Numerous small, but fat cattle are fed on the plains, and their beef enjoyed as much by the Cypriote as by an Englishman. Great numbers of sheep and goats are also reared. The mutton is juicy and tender. CHAPTER XXVI. ST. NICHOLAS AND LIMASOL. Whilst I was in Kolossin I learnt that some fine marble pillars, which lay outside in the court-yard, had been brought from the Abbey of St. Nicholas, which was only some few leagues off, upon the neighbouring peninsula. Everything I heard of this interesting ruin made me more desirous of inspecting it. Visions of European abbeys floated before my eyes, and I determined to start at once to view this Cyprian reality.