Atkins, Sarah: Relics of antiquity, exhibited in the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum: with an account of the destruction and recovery of those celebrated cities (London: St. Harris, St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1825)

pliny’s villa. 75
and it is as warm on this side as it is cool on the
opposite : in the same manner, it is a defence
against the south-west; and thus, in short, by
means of its several sides, breaks the force of the
winds, from whatever quarter they may happen
to blow. These are some of the winter advantages
of this agreeable situation; and they are, as you
may readily imagine, still more considerable in
the summer; for at that season it throws a shade
upon the terrace during the morning, as it de-
fends the gestatio, and the part of the garden con-
tiguous to it, from the afternoon sun, and casts a
greater or less shade as the day either increases
or decreases; but the portico itself is coolest
when the sun is most scorching, that is, when its
rays fall directly upon the roof. In addition to
these advantages, I must not forget to add, that,
by setting open the windows, the western breezes
have a free draught, and by that means the air is
continually changed and refreshed. At the upper
end of the terrace and portico stands a detached
building, in the garden which I call my favourite ;
and, in truth, I am extremely fond of it, as it
forms a delightful place of retreat from business
and care. It contains a very warm winter room,
one side of which looks upon the terrace; the
other has a view of the sea; and both are exposed
h 2