THE FALL OF ST. MARK'S CAMPANILE.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SIE,—It is grievous to read that the Campanile in the Piazza San Marco has subsided, and that that beautiful feature of Venice and of the pictures of Venice is no more. Well may the Venetians grieve over their loss if we also feel the loss. May I offer a crumb of comfort, at least what may be a comfort, to some who, like myself, have felt a feeling of oppression when standing in the Piazza in front of that perfect dream of beauty, the Cathedral of San Marco ? it was overshadowed and stunted in appearance by the size and height of the Campanile. Now we shall be able to see the Cathedral in its beauty and perfect proportions. However grand the old Campanile was, I do hope that at all events it may not be rebuilt on the old site or of the same gigantic dimensions. This opinion may elicit more influential opinions, as the subject is one well open to discussion. But feelings which arise in our minds, which have often revelled in beautiful buildings, and grieved when dis- proportion marred what would otherwise be perfect, are some- what comforted, even though grieved at the loss of such an old friend as the Campanile.—I am, Sir, &c., Christ Church Vicarage, Barnet. H. TROTTER.
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