The bones of this Saint are now annually carried about the City in a large silver box; and, according to popular belief, she has, several times since her discovery, saved the Sicilians from the plague. Long before the celebration of the festival she becomes the subject of general conversation, and excites the greatest interest. Her triumphal car is made of very great height, and drawn through the principal streets by a number of caparisoned mules, preceded by dragoons with trumpets. On the lower part of the conveyance is an orchestra, and above it is a small temple, in the interior of which are figures of different saints, and, on the top of all, a large statue of San Rosalia. Every side of the carriage is decorated with flowers; and during the ceremony the streets are crowded with people, and the windows, to all of which are balconies, are filled with ladies. At night there is an illumination. The amusements at this Palermo rejoicing vary each day. One night the Flora gardens are illuminated, on another one of the streets, and, in the day-time, horse-races. The latter, from their peculiarities, are worthy of notice. The horses start from the bottom of the principal street, near the Porto Felice, and run to the Porto Nuovo. They have no riders, but have small bladders fixed on their backs, in which are inserted sharp spikes, serving by the motion to urge them on. The prizes run for are generally small, consisting of from ten to fifteen ounces in dollars, fastened to a board; and the horse that wins is led in procession, with the prize before him. The illumination of the Madre Chiesa, which is the cathedral church of Palermo, excites the admiration of all travellers. It is here where the box containing the bones of St. Rosalia is deposited. The last ceremony is a grand procession, in which the silver box is carried by the principal citizen. Immense crowds endeavour to get near it to touch it, for they consider it a remedy for all evils. The approach of the festival produces general joy and happiness; and the people are so attached to the memory of the Saint, that it is supposed that any attempt to suppress her commemoration would be attended with the most serious consequences. [Illustration] Christmas Day at the Diggings.