“_Suckers_,” is the designation of the people of Illinois; because, as is said, the Galena miners used to appear in spring about the time the suckers, a large fish of the West, ascended the rivers. “_Wolverene_,” is the title of a citizen of Michigan, because an animal of that name, often called the Glutton, and somewhat resembling the raccoon, is common in that state. “_Buckeye_,” is a tree resembling the catalpa, and it is common in Ohio; so Ohio is called the buckeye state, and the citizens, buckeyes. “_Corn-crackers_,” is the nickname of the Kentuckians, for what reason I cannot tell--but perhaps as a compliment to the soil and climate, which furnishes the people with abundance of corn, and a good appetite. “_John Bull_,” is the title given to England and Englishmen, because it is fancied that there is a surly, grumbling manner about the people of that country, which reminds one of a bull. “_Empire State_,” is a name given to New York, because of its great extent, population, and wealth. Pennsylvania is called the “_Key-Stone State_,” because of its central position, and its importance in a political point of view, as determining by its large vote the character of the national government. Travels, Adventures, and Experiences of Thomas Trotter. CHAPTER VIII. _Catania.--Description of the city.--Danger of its situation.--Beauty of the country.--Journey up Mount Ætna.--Great abundance of lava.--Nicolosi.--Visit to the crater of Monti Rossi.--Grand prospect of the mountain.--Continuation of the journey.--A hut in the woods.--A night on the mountain._ Catania is a highly interesting city. I was struck with the beauty of its situation, on the sea-shore at the foot of Mount Ætna, and with the regularity of its handsome streets, which are all straight, like those of Philadelphia. It is about the size of Boston, and is remarkably thriving and busy, for an Italian city. Almost everybody appeared to be engaged in the silk trade. Large manufactories abound in every quarter of the city, and in every street I could see the women at the door spinning and weaving silk. There was some rain while I staid in the city, the first I had experienced in Sicily. The people of Syracuse told me, that a day was never known when the sun did not shine upon their city. The streets of Catania were thronged with people, notwithstanding the rain, and almost every one had a silk umbrella. I remarked that all the umbrellas were of a bright red, which made the crowd look very picturesque.