CHAPTER III.

Mount Vesuvius--Origin of Name--Former Condition--Eruption of A.D. 79--Death of Pliny--Destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum--Appearance of the Mountain before and after Eruption--Formation of Monte Nuovo--Eruption of Boiling Water--Coloured Vapours--Cascade of Lava--Discovery of Remains of Herculaneum and Pompeii--The Buildings of Pompeii--Street of Tombs--Skeletons--Sundry Shops--Ascents of Vesuvius--Crater--Temple of Serapis