a port town of Naples, on the gulf of Venice, which arose on the ruins of the ancient Sipontum; (see the article SIPONTUM.) It received its name from its founder Manfred; who transplanted hither the few inhabitants that remained at Sipontum, and attracted other settlers to it by various privileges and exemptions. In order to found it under the most favourable auspices, he called together all the famous professors of astrology (a science in which both he and his father placed great confidence), and caused them to calculate the happiest hour and minute for laying the first stone. He himself drew the plans, traced the walls and streets, superintended the works, and by his presence and largesses animated the workmen to finish them in a very short space of time. The port was secured from storms by a pier; the ramparts were built of the most solid materials; and in the great tower was placed a bell of so considerable a volume as to be heard over all the plain of Capitanata, in order to alarm the country in case of an invasion. Charles of Anjou afterwards removed the bell to Barri, and offered it at the shrine of St Nicholas, as a thanksgiving for the recovery of one of his children. In spite of all the precautions taken by Manfred to secure a brilliant destiny to his new city, neither his pains, nor the horoscopes of his wizards, have been able to render it opulent or powerful. At present, Mr Swinburne informs us, it scarce numbers 6000 inhabitants, though most of the corn exported from the province is shipped off here, and a direct trade carried on with Venice and Greece, for which reason there is a lazaretto established; but from some late instances we may gather, that if the kingdom of Naples has for many years past remained free from the plague, it is more owing to good luck, and the very trifling communication with Turkey, than to the vigilance or incorruptibility of the officers of this port. In 1620, the Turks landed and pillaged Manfredonia. All sorts of vegetables abound here, for flavour and succulence infinitely superior to those raised by continual waterings in the cineritious soil of Naples. Lettuce in particular is delicious, and fish plentiful and cheap. E. Long. 15. 50. N. Lat. 41. 42.