GONDOLA

(Ital.) The name given to the pleasure boats used at Venice, where the numerous canals with which it is intersected generally render it nece ary to substitute boats for carriages. The gondola is from 25 to 30 feet long, and 5 feet wide in the centre, in which a sort of cabin is constructed for pa engers. They are sharp-pointed both at the prow and stern, and are rowed by two men called gondolier i. The cabins are always furnished with black curtains, which give a sombre appearance to the gondola at a distance. For an accurate description of the gondola, see Lord Byron's Beppo, 19, 20. GONFANON, or [s. 532]