Page 295

From Rome to Naples. 185

ple at several times fallen into the
Hands of many different Families,
and of particular Persons; as we
may observe, tho' the Bulk of the
Roman People was more rich and hap-
py in the Times of the Common-
wealth, the City of Rome recei'vd all
its Beauties and Embellishments under
the Emperors. It is probable the Cam-
pania of Rome, as well as other Parts
of the Pope's Territories, would be
cultivated much better than it is, were
there not such an Exorbitant Tax on
Corn, which makes 'em plow up on-
ly such Spots of Ground as turn to
the most Advantage: Whereas were
the Mony to be rais'd on Lands, with
an Exception to some of the more
barren Parts, that might be Tax free
for a certain Term of Years, every
one would turn his Ground to the
best Account, and in a little time per-
haps bring more Mony to the Pope's
Treasury.

The