NOTE--The pictures on pages 6, 7, 8, 9, are printed through the courtesy of the Italian Embassy, Washington. They are reproduced from photographs owned by the Italian Government.] [Illustration: Ceiling showing spaces from which art masterpieces have been removed] No restrictions were placed on the use of electricity in most city homes, although street illumination was diminished and in certain cities in the advanced zone was abolished entirely, as a defensive measure. The abundance of electricity is explained by the fact that it is very often generated by water power, as, for instance, in Rome. Restaurants must send to the authorities a list of food furnished, with prices charged for each portion, or for the whole meal, or for the week. They must indicate also any extra charges, and the reason for such charges. The authorities will approve the menu only if it corresponds with normal or prescribed prices, and a copy, stamped and signed by an authorized person, must be exposed to the public where it can easily be seen. No food can be served unless it is on the approved list. In large cities, there is a committee of control, composed of five citizens appointed by the mayor, whose duty it is to see that the restrictions are rigidly observed. If the police authorities do not approve of a certain menu, it is submitted to the committee, and unless they put their O. K. upon it, the restaurant is not permitted to use it. Two factors combine to keep prices of necessities and even luxuries down to a reasonable level. One is the so-called "_calmiere_," or government regulation, that certain products may not be sold at a higher price than that fixed by the regularly constituted authorities. The other factor is the prevalence of co-operative societies that sell to their members at cost or almost at cost. Retailers have to compete with these societies, and there is a consequent curb on profiteering. Nearly every trade or profession has its own co-operative stores. The entrance fee which must be paid to join a co-operative society is very moderate, in some instances as low as five _lire_ (about one dollar). [Illustration: THE ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN Titian's great masterpiece in the Academy of Fine Arts, Venice] _Amusements and Sports_ Theaters, cinematograph theaters, and other places of amusement had to close at midnight. Restaurants and cafés closed an hour earlier. This did not apply to the war zone, where the military authorities made their own regulations and imposed all kinds of restrictions for defensive purposes. [Illustration: TITIAN'S "ASSUMPTION" BEING TAKEN OUT] [Illustration: TITIAN'S "ASSUMPTION" BEING TRANSPORTED ACROSS COUNTRY TO A SECURE PLACE]