In the month of March, the sun is said to enter aries, that is the group or constellation called aries, or the ram; in April it enters taurus, or the bull; in May, gemini, the twins; in June, cancer, the crab; in July, leo, the lion; in August, virgo, the virgin; in September, libra, the scales; in October, scorpio, the scorpion; in November, sagittarius, the archer; in December, capricorn, the goat; in January, aquarius, the water bearer; in February, pisces, the fishes. The Voyages, Travels, and Experiences of Thomas Trotter. CHAPTER XVI. _The grotto of Pausilippo.--A dying man.--The Lazzaroni.--Weather at Naples.--The grotta del cane.--Inhuman sport.--Subterranean fires.--A Funeral.--Characteristics of the Neapolitans._ I had heard a great deal of the grotto of Pausilippo, which is a great tunnel through a mountain at one end of the city, and I took a walk toward that quarter, for the purpose of visiting it. This is certainly one of the most surprising works of art in the world, considering its age. It was executed two or three thousand years ago, and is probably the most permanent artificial work on the face of the earth. Even the Egyptian pyramids will not last so long as this. To have some idea of it, you must understand that Naples is separated from the towns on the northern coast by the hill of Pausilippo, which is a ridge of solid rock. Through this rock an immense tunnel is cut, three quarters of a mile long, and nearly a hundred feet high. It is broad enough for two carriages to pass, and lighted by lamps. Several air-holes, at proper distances, serve to ventilate it and keep the air pure. A great deal of travel is constantly passing through it: and during the heat of summer, the grotto, has a most refreshing coolness. The rumbling of the carriages is echoed from the rocky vault overhead in a very remarkable manner. Altogether, the place struck me with surprise and astonishment; and when I thought of our railroad tunnels, which we boast of as modern inventions, I could not help repeating the observation of king Solomon, that “there is no new thing under the sun.” While I sat at supper in the evening, I was startled by hearing a bell tinkling violently under my window. I ran to the balcony and found the whole street in a blaze of light. A religious procession was going down the street bearing lighted tapers. I was told that it was a priest going to administer extreme unction to a dying man.