At a later period of my journey, however, I succeeded in viewing several harems.
THE HIPPODROME is the largest and finest open place in Constantinople.

After those of Cairo and Padua, it is the most spacious I have seen any where.
Two obelisks of red granite, covered with hieroglyphics, are the only ornaments of this place.

The houses surrounding it are built, according to the general fashion, of wood, and painted with oil- colours of different tints.

I here noticed a great number of pretty children's carriages, drawn by servants.

Many parents assembled here to let their children be driven about.
Not far from the Hippodrome are the great cisterns with the thousand and one pillars.