a celebrated funeral vase, long in possession of the Barberina family, but which was purchased by Sir William Hamilton, and afterwards passed to the Duchess of Portland for 1000 guineas. Its height is about 10 inches, and its diameter where broadest 6. There are upon it a variety of figures of most exquisite workmanship, in bas-relief, of white opaque glass raised on a ground of deep blue glass, which appears black except when held against the light. It seems to have been the work of many years, and there are antiquaries who date its production several centuries before the Christian era; since sculpture was declining in excellence even in the time of Alexander the Great. It was deposited in the British Museum in 1810 by the Duke of Portland.

PORT LOUIS, the capital of the island of Mauritius, on a small bay formed by basaltic and partially-wooded hills near the N.W. extremity of the island; S. Lat. 20.10., E. Long. 57.29. The streets are regular, though narrow, and some of them are planted with beautiful acacias. The houses are low, and built for the most part of wood. Behind the town lies an open space called the Champ de Mars, which is lined with many elegant villas. The chief buildings are the large and convenient barracks, hospital, bazaar, theatre, public library (containing more than 60,000 volumes), court-house, college, and botanic garden. The harbour is good and well sheltered, but it is difficult of access, on account of a coral reef at its mouth. During the season of hurricanes the anchorage is not safe, except for a small number of vessels. Port Louis is a convenient port for repairing vessels, and has docks for that purpose. The harbour and town are defended by fortifications of some strength. Pop. 35,000.

PORT MAHON. See Minorca.