a city of Provence in France, seated on the east side of the Rhone, on a hill, whose declivity is towards the north. It is an archbishop's see; and is celebrated for its antiquities both within and without the city. Those of which any remains are now to be seen are the amphitheatre, the obelisk, the Elysian Fields, the sepulchres, columns with their capitals, busts, pedestals, aqueducts, with some remains of the capitol, and the temples of their gods. The other ancient monuments are entirely destroyed. Under the amphitheatre, in 1651, they found the statue of Venus, which was worshipped by this city; and has been since carried to the castle of Versailles. It is a masterpiece which will always be admired by connoisseurs.

The amphitheatre is one of the most remarkable pieces of antiquity. It was built by the Romans, but the time is unknown, though some say by Julius Caesar. It is of an oval form, and about 400 yards in circumference, and the front is 34 yards in height. The middle, called the Arena, is 142 yards wide and 104 broad. The porticos or piazzas are three stories, built with stone of a prodigious size. Each of them consists of 60 arches, which still remain; and the walls are of a surprising thickness, but gone to decay.

The obelisk is the only one of this kind to be seen in France. It seems to be one of the forty brought from Egypt to Rome, because it is of the same oriental granite with them. They are generally full of hieroglyphic characters; but this is quite smooth. In 1675, it was found in a private garden near the walls of the city, not far from the Rhone. It consists of one piece; and is 52 feet high, and 7 in diameter at the base. It is now supported with four lions made of bronze; and on the top a blue ball is placed, with the arms of France, and over that a sun.

The Pagans burying place called the Elysian Fields, is without the city, upon an agreeable hill, divided into two parts. The first, called Moulaire, has very few tombs, they having been broken to build the walls of gardens, which are made in that place. The second, called Elfcamp, contains a great number. Those of the Pagans have the letters D. M. which signifies Diis Manibus. Those of the Christians have a cross. Pieces of coin of gold, silver, and bronze, are found here; as also urns, lamps, and cups, without number.

Here is a royal academy of sciences, consisting of thirty members, who must be natives, gentlemen, and inhabitants of the city. It enjoys the same privileges as that at Paris. Arles is surrounded with marshy land, which renders the air full of vapours, and makes it not very wholesome. Long. 4° 48' E. Lat. 43° 40'.