(_Custodian, Valentino._)
Signor Armellini has, it is reported, succeeded in deciphering an
inscription in this catacomb, in which the name of S. Peter occurs.
The supposed inscription is in an archway and on the stucco, the
letters being in red colour. This _cubiculum_ is lighted from the top
by an old _luminarium_, and in shape is not unlike a basilica without
aisles. At a short distance in front of the apse, jutting out from the
right wall, is a chair of tufa, which looks across the chamber;
opposite is a column, coming out in the same manner, above which is a
niche for a lamp. The apse itself is filled up about four feet above
the floor of the chamber, the filling up forming a tomb, the top of
which was probably used as an altar (_arcosolium_). The vault of the
apse is covered with scroll-worked stucco in very low relief, coloured
red; this has fallen off, only some slight traces of it remaining,
presenting in one or two instances the _appearance_ of letters, which,
we should say, it was impossible to make out. This is the inscription
in which Signor Armellini reads the name of Peter. But even supposing
that it is an inscription, and that Peter's name is there, it does not
prove that Peter baptized there; for, in fact, the catacomb was made
long after S. Peter's death. In the acts of the martyrs Liberius and
Damasus, it is mentioned that in this catacomb S. Peter baptized
(query, not the apostle). This is followed by Bosio, Aringhi, and De
Rossi. This catacomb is supposed to have belonged to the descendants
of Ostorius, the pro-prætor in Britain who sent Caractacus and his
wife prisoners to Claudius. Of course the simple mention of S. Peter
in the inscription does not prove that he ever was in Rome, for we
have every evidence to the contrary. This catacomb is about two miles
outside the Porta Pia, on the Via Nomentana, and adjoins that of S.
Agnese, and is also known by the name of "Peter's Fountain," though
there is no water there. Boldetti informs us that a vial of blood
found in the Ostorian Cemetery bore these words: "_Primitius in pace
post multas angustias fortissimus martyr._" This catacomb is also
mentioned by Tertullian.
_Resuming our ramble_ along the Via Nomentana, after a short walk we
reach the railway bridge, from which we obtain a beautiful view of the
Campagna and the distant hills, whilst at our feet is the Anio,
spanned by the