Eustace, John Cretwode: A classical tour through Italy An. MDCCCII (Vol. 3): 3. ed., rev. and enl (London: J. Mawman, 1815)

Ch. XV. THROUGH ITALY. 497
the ridge of mountains to the west of Portus
Delphinus, now Porto Fino, was anciently call-
ed). The lower and middle regions of this moun-
tain are well-peopled, well-cultivated, and shaded
by groves of lofty chestnuts. In this respect it
resembles the Apennines ; but its upper parts are
totally Alpine, rough, wild, and barren.
The Bocchetta is one of the great bulwarks of
Genoa. It was in the late war occupied by the
French, but forced by the Austrians. The
trenches and mounds thrown up by the former
are still discernible, and may be traced for a con-
siderable distance, forming altogether a barrier
almost insuperable. The French army was at
least fifteen thousand strong, furnished with artil-
lery and every article of ammunition in abund-
ance, and commanded by Massena, a general of
some experience and of acknowledged intrepi-
dity. Yet with all these advantages, their en-
trenchments were forced, and they were com-
pelled to shelter themselves behind the ram-
parts of Genoa, by an enemy not twice their num-
ber.
The view at the Bocchetta is confined by the
various swells and pinnacles that form the ridge
of the mountain, excepting on one side, where
it extends over the valley of the Polcevera,
vol. in. κ κ