“Over the dome rises a tower or spire; in ascending this, the traveller will observe that the roof of the church is covered with solid blocks of marble, which are connected together by a powerful cement, which possesses not only the durability and hardness, but the colour also of the marble itself; so that the eye of the observer scarcely perceives the points and lines in which the joinings are made, and the whole roof appears to be composed of one immense sheet of the finest white, and polished marble. The singularity and uncommon splendour of this roof, cannot perhaps be adequately described. The prospect of the surrounding country, and objects from the summit of this tower, is grand and very extensive; it includes the whole city, and the luxuriant plain of Milan; shews its intersection in every part, with rivers and canals, its beautiful display of gardens, orchards, vineyards, and groves; and its numerous and interesting villages and towns; and extends to the neighbouring Alps, which unite their bleak ridges with the milder, and more distant Appennines, and seem to compose a grand and natural frame, to this picture of beauty and interest. In its materials, the cathedral of Milan certainly surpasses all the churches in the universe, the noblest of which are only lined and coated with marble, while this is entirely built, paved, vaulted, and roofed, with the same substance, and that of the whitest, and most resplendent kind.” After examining the cathedral, we visited the gardens in the neighbourhood of the Porta Orientale, where there are frequently dancing and a variety of other entertainments, on a Sunday evening, but the day was unfavourable for these diversions. From hence, we extended our walk to Porta Roma along the new boulevards, formed by the Austrians within the last two years, and which are become the fashionable promenade, and drive, of Milan. The next day was also an unpropitious one; indeed it appears, that the neighbourhood of the Alps has a most unfavourable influence on the climate; and in winter must make it extremely cold and damp. We visited this morning the theatre of La Scala, at the time under repair. Walking over the pit and stage, we took the opportunity of comparing its size, with that of St. Carlos at Naples; at first my friend imagined it smaller, but before we left, he was inclined to think the point doubtful; but it must be recollected, that the estimate was made under very different circumstances, the latter being lighted up and full of company, while the present one was empty, and _en dishabille_.