the birthplace of Diana, was a beautiful grove of trees of various kinds, chiefly cypresses, near Ephesus; on the coast, a little up from the sea. This place was filled with shrines and images. The priests of the goddess were eunuchs, and exceedingly respected by the people. A general assembly was held there yearly, and splendid entertainments were provided, and mystic sacrifices solemnized. The Cenchrius, probably a crooked river, ran through it; and above it was the mountain Solmissus, on which, it was fabled, the Curetes stood, and rattled on their shields, to divert the attention of Juno. The improved face of a country is perishable like human beauty. Not only the birthplace of Diana and its sanctity are forgotten, but the grove and buildings which adorned it appear no more; and perhaps, says Dr Chandler, the land has encroached on the sea, and the valley, in which Arvisia is, was once Ortgyia. See EPHEBUS, and DIANA, &c.