"It is a beautiful island. Yet for many years its people have been gradually leaving it. Many thousands went to America.
"At one time the United States bought quantities of lemons from Sicily. Now the Americans are growing their own.
"There is a volcano on the island called Mt. Etna. Great sulphur mines were made by this volcano, and for years Sicily supplied the world with sulphur. But now the United States also supplies sulphur.
"Another volcano is that of Stromboli. It is an island off the coast of Sicily. For two thousand years this fire island has been like a glowing torch in the water. It is therefore called the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean Sea.
"And while we are speaking of volcanoes, here is the terrible story of Pompeii. I have told you many legends, but this tale is true.
"Hundreds of years ago a beautiful little city called Pompeii nestled at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius.
"Here men, women, and children lived happy, carefree lives. Their houses were small jewels. They feasted and lived in luxury. Pompeii was a pleasure city.
"Then, one day, a frightful thing happened. The volcano, Vesuvius, grew very angry. Black smoke gushed from the hole in her great head. Ashes and hot stones came tumbling down upon Pompeii. The earth rocked. Thunder roared. Darkness fell upon the town. People fled, groping their way through the streets.
"Next day Pompeii, the jewel city, lay buried beneath the earth."