LETTER XI.

A sterile region.--Our descent into a milder landscape.--Distant view of Florence.--Moonlight effect.--Visit the Gallery.--Relics of ancient credulity.--Paintings.--A Medusa’s head by Leonardo da Vinci.--Curious picture by Polemberg.--The Venus de Medicis.--Exquisitely sculptured figure of Morpheus.--Vast Cathedral.--Garden of Boboli.--Views from different parts of it.--Its resemblance to an antique Roman garden. 173