Venice is a very interesting city to visit, for there are many public buildings, such as the arsenal, which contains a museum of interesting objects, and Saint Mark’s church. It alone would keep one occupied many days if he examined closely every object of interest in it; for it was constructed of the spoils of many buildings in almost every country in the far East. It has marble columns and panels dating back to the fourth century. It has been said that “St. Mark’s body was brought to Venice secretly, from Alexandria, and placed in a vault in the chapel.” We do not know how much truth there is in the guide’s story; but, be that as it may, the church is a wonderful structure, and its panels, columns and mosaics are well worth examining. Hundreds of pigeons have their nests in the cornice of St. Mark’s, and no one dare drive them away. They ruin the beautiful molding, and one cannot help but wish it were different. The pigeons are quite tame, for they come down and sit upon the head, shoulders and hands of any one who will feed them. Some one bequeathed a certain sum of money for the feeding of the pigeons, and for years and years feed has been furnished them from the interest money. I am very fond of pets; so it pleased me greatly to see them come down by the hundreds for the food which was thrown them. The streets were usually crowded with a set of lazy looking people, and we had a good chance to see them as we walked up one street and down another. There were many little shops where cooked victuals were on sale; in the windows could be seen crisp fried fish, and at the doors were large iron kettles filled with steaming hot boiled potatoes. Those articles were sold at reasonable prices, and I’m sure it was a convenience for the class of people who were too lazy to cook for themselves. The Italians are said to be a dirty set of people, and I am made to believe there is a good deal of truth in that saying. By the time our party was ready to leave Venice we felt quite well acquainted with every street and canal, and to this day we look back with pleasure to the time when we visited the city of one hundred and fifty canals. Our mind is now turned toward Athens, a city in Greece. Once again passage on a steamer was taken, for it proved to be the only way by which we were able to reach that place. There were seven of us now, and the personal conductor besides; yet not any of us had ever met before. Trieste is an Austrian seaport town, and from there we sailed. The sea was as calm as a river, and sailing was delightful. Our first stopping place was at the Island of Corfu, where the anchor was cast and four hours spent in waiting for passengers. The whole company desired to go ashore, and after making proper arrangements with the boatmen were taken to land, where carriages were procured and a long drive in the country taken.