SICILY, the largest island in the Mediterranean sea, situated close to the southern extremity of Italy, from which it is separated on the west by the straits The general aspect of Sicily is that of a highly mountainous country, variegated with numerous val lies. The principal chain of mountains extends from east to west, and has been regarded as a continuation of the Apennines. Other lesser ranges branch off from the main range from north to south; and there are some insulated mountains, of which /Etna is the most remarkable, and of which we have already given a very full and elaborate description in our article IETXA. The north coast of Italy presents a very level surface for nearly 100 miles to the east of Trapani, and also near the gulf of Castello Mare on the opposite side of the island. The plains of Melazzo and Catania, on the north-east of the island are the most extensive, and next to them those of Terra Nova in the south, and of Syracuse in the south-west. In the west of the island there are very extensive districts uninhabited and destitute of cultivation.
The principal rivers in Sicily are the Fiume Grande, the Giaretta, anciently the Shnocthus, and the Salso. These rivers, and the other smaller ones that water the island have but a very short course, and descend very rapidly from the mountains. As there are almost no carriage roads except in the vicinity of Palermo, there are of course very few bridges over the rivers.
The principal lakes in Sicily are the Biviere and the Pergusa. The Biviere, about eight miles south of Catania, has, in the winter season, a circumference of about 20 English miles, while in dry weather it is reduced to very small dimension, leaving an extensive swamp, which is most injurious to health.
The climate of Sicily is, generally speaking, an agreeable one. In summer the weather is very hot; the thermometer at Palermo varying from 7:11° to 801° in June and July. When the sirocco or south wind blows, which happens during a few -days of July and August, the thermometer rises suddenly to 112°.
Though the summer heat is often alleviated by fresh sea breezes, yet March is the only month in which any chilling winds are felt; and the shade is found refreshing even in the beginning of January. The spring is the finest season of the year. Snow is ne ver seen excepting on the lofty mountains, and in the low grounds are found the productions of the tropi cal countries, such as the banana, the aloe, the sugar cane, &c. Against these advantages, we have to bal ance the insecurity of particular districts, the season of the sirocco, and the exposure of the island to fre quent and desolating earthquakes.
Sicily was laid waste by earthquakes in the years 1638, 1693, 1726, 1783, 1805, and but the most tremendous effects were produced by that which took place in March 1823. On the sea coast east of Palermo, the shock was immense. At Altavilla, the bridge was shaken. At Trabia, the castle was des troyed. At Godiano, the cathedral and some houses fell, and enormous masses were loosened, and fell from Bisambra, a neighbouring mountain. At Termini, the shocks exceeded all that had happened in the memory of its oldest inhabitants. The warm springs then became turbid and increased in quanti ty and warmth. In Sarcari most of the houses were rendered uninhabitable. To the west of Palermo, the earthquake had little power; but as it advanced to the east, its effects were very injurious. At Cefalu, the sea made a violent and sudden rush to the shore, carrying with it a large ship laden with oil, and when the wave retired she was left dry; but a second wave returning with immense force, dashed the ship to pieces. floats which were approaching the shore, were borne rapidly forward to the land; but they were carried as rapidly back, at the return of the sea. Some damage was done at Messina. At Catania, it was felt so slightly, that the people went to the thea tre that same evening. It was slightly felt at Syracuse, scarcely at all towards Cape Passaro, and no bad ef fects were produced in the southern part of the island.