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ITALIAN SCENERY, MANNERS , A N D CUSTOMS 61
PILATE XXVI.
THE FOUNTAIN OF MOSSO.
T H I S place is not fill- from the river P o ; and the liill in the back ground is one of those of
Montsen-at, which are very numerous, and almost all detached one from another, lilce so many
.su"ar-loaves, with extensive villages on the tops, which render the view both rich and picturesque.
Though the cascade is inconsiderable, it has a beautiful appearance ; and has been made
useful to the public, by conducting part of it's water into a fountain, with two stone reservoirs
for the purpose of washing. The »-oman loaded with linen crossing the bridge, is going to the
fountain; and the man is following her with more, which he carries back when washed.
The two principal figures represent a mother and her daughter. Tlie mother appears to have
sent her daughter with a pitcher to fetch water; but finding she did not come back so soon as
she expected, she is come after her, to see what could be the cause of her stay. Having met
with her at some distance from the house talking with her lover, she is now scolding and hastening
her home. In this country the mothers seldom lose sight of their daughters; and when
they do permit them to go out alone, their anxiety will not let them remain away a longer time
tiian reasonably may be allowed for the performance of their errand. A mother who often
leaves her daughter alone at home, or sends her out without company, injures her character
in a great measure, and it is considered as a spot on her reputation, tliougli in general very unjustly;
but tliis prejudice is confined chiefly to the lower class of people.
Fi om the similarity of the dresses of the women, it may be seen, tliat tliey arc of the same
country as those of the preceding plate. The cross suspended from the neck by a riband or
silk cord is a very connnon ornament.
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