CHAPTER XXV.

The Monastery of Caracalla--Its beautiful Situation--Hospitable Reception--Description of the Monastery--Legend of its Foundation--The Church--Fine Specimens of Ancient Jewellery--The Library--The Value attached to the Books by the Abbot--He agrees to sell some of the MSS.--Monastery of Philotheo--The Great Monastery of Iveron--History of its Foundation--Its magnificent Library--Ignorance of the Monks--Superb MSS.--The Monks refuse to part with any of the MSS.--Beauty of the Scenery of Mount Athos 377