1028.

Stair of Vigevano below La Sforzesca, 130 steps, 1/4 braccio high and 1/2 braccio wide, down which the water falls, so as not to wear away anything at the end of its fall; by these steps so much soil has come down that it has dried up a pool; that is to say it has filled it up and a pool of great depth has been turned into meadows.

Notes on the North Italian lake. (1029-1033)

1029.

In many places there are streams of water which swell for six hours and ebb for six hours; and I, for my part, have seen one above the lake of Como called Fonte Pliniana, which increases and ebbs, as I have said, in such a way as to turn the stones of two mills; and when it fails it falls so low that it is like looking at water in a deep pit.

[Footnote:  The fountain is known by this name to this day:  it is near Torno, on the Eastern shore of Como.  The waters still rise and fall with the flow and ebb of the tide as Pliny described it (Epist.  IV, 30; Hist.  Nat.  II, 206).]

1030.

LAKE OF COMO.  VALLEY OF CHIAVENNA.

Above the lake of Como towards Germany is the valley of Chiavenna where the river Mera flows into this lake.  Here are barren and very high mountains, with huge rocks.  Among these mountains are to be found the water-birds called gulls.  Here grow fir trees, larches and pines.  Deer, wildgoats, chamois, and terrible bears.  It is impossible to climb them without using hands and feet.  The peasants go there at the time of the snows with great snares to make the bears fall down these rocks.  These mountains which very closely approach each other are parted by the river.  They are to the right and left for the distance of 20 miles throughout of the same nature. >From mile to mile there are good inns.  Above on the said river there are waterfalls of 400 braccia in height, which are fine to see; and there is good living at 4 soldi the reckoning.  This river brings down a great deal of timber.

VAL SASINA.

Val Sasina runs down towards Italy; this is almost the same form and character.  There grow here many mappello and there are great ruins and falls of water [Footnote 14:  The meaning of mappello is unknown.].

VALLEY OF INTROZZO.

This valley produces a great quantity of firs, pines and larches; and from here Ambrogio Fereri has his timber brought down; at the head of the Valtellina are the mountains of Bormio, terrible and always covered with snow; marmots (?) are found there.

BELLAGGIO.

Opposite the castle Bellaggio there is the river Latte, which falls from a height of more than 100 braccia from the source whence it springs, perpendicularly, into the lake with an inconceivable roar and noise.  This spring flows only in August and September.

VALTELLINA.