c b a

n c b a

4
4 8 2
2 6 13
10 1 6 12
2 3 16
1 3 43
6 2
17
2 3 60
5
6 8
8
6
6
8

Lake of Como. Val di Chiavenna.
Up along the Lake of Como, toward Germany, is the valley of Chiavenna, where the river Mera enters that lake. Here are found barren and very high mountains with great crags. In these mountains are the water-birds called cormorants. Here grow firs, larches and pines; there are deer, ibexes, chamois and fearsome bears. One cannot climb here except on all fours. The peasants go there in the season of snows with great ingenuity, to make the bears tumble down these slopes. These narrow mountains enclose the river between them. They run to right and left for a space of 20 miles, all in the said manner. From mile to mile good inns are found. Up along the said river are found waterfalls of 400 braccia, which make a fine sight. There is good living at 4 soldi a meal. Much timber is floated down this river.
Valsassina.
Valsassina comes from the direction of Italy. This is of almost similar form and nature. Much brushwood grows there. There are great ruins and falls of water.
Valle d'Introzzo.
This valley produces many firs and pines and larches. It is where Ambrogio Ferreri has his timber brought. At the head of the Valtellina are the mountains of Bormio, fearsome and always full of snow. Here are born ermines.
At Bellagio.
Opposite the castle of Bellagio is the Fiumelaccio, which falls from a height of more than 100 braccia from the vein whence it springs, sheer into the lake with inestimable din and roar. This spring flows only in August and September.
Valtellina.
The Valtellina, as it is called, a valley surrounded by high and fearsome mountains, makes strong wines and in great quantity, and raises so much cattle that the country folk conclude that more milk is born there than wine. This is the valley through which the Adda passes, which first runs more than 40 miles through Germany. This river breeds the fish [temolo, the grayling], which lives on silver, of which much is found in its sand.
In this country everyone may sell bread and wine, and the wine is worth at most one soldo the boccale, and the pound of veal one soldo, and salt 10 denari, and butter likewise; and their pound is 30 ounces, and eggs one soldo the tale.