though she was with the best school-mistress on the Rock, she lacked too much of the needful to send away her scholars either learned or accomplished; but, as her parents were gratifyed by my exertions, and her evident improvement in a month, she had used to bless the hour that brought her to me.

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CHAP. IX.

A description of some of the most celebrated Spots, Plants, Animals, &c. A short tribute to a late Illustrious Character.-Introduction to two Spanish Beauties.-Three Renowned Eccentrics (Women!)-A Jew's manœuvre.-An Old Bachelor's alarm !)

HAVING a great desire to explore the Rock of Gibraltar, I availed myself of Mr. B.'s absence, to see every part of that wonderful place; I first set out with a small party, to visit the galleries: what a stupenduous undertaking it must have been to form them! They are long and spacious, with large holes, to serve the purposes of widnows, and to support the pondrous cannons fixed in many of them. To me, it appeared incredible for chisels to perform such an undertaking in solid rock. On quitting them, we reached St. Michael's Cave, fronting the west: its entrance is as wide as a large room; by a very gradual descent you reach the opposite side of this first apartment-I was struck with its stage-like appearance. The side scenes were composed of beautiful petrifaction on reaching the end, we were invited by a

wide opening on the right to enter: it appeared as if studded with diamonds. On blue lights being thrown up to shew its interior, I was transfixed with amazement! the ceiling appeared like the starry firmament in a bright frosty-night-when the meditating mind, involuntarily exclaims, "bebold! and praise HIM, thou moon, praise him, all ye stars." This room Nature had surely bedecked in selfish mood, for its glittering beauties were denied the sun's approach, and if mortal eye pryed for a gaze, it was content to catch for a moment a view of brilliant objects. We passed on to another room more intricate to reach, and felt assured that the succession would but increase our surprise. Our steps were next directed to "Douglas' Cave," which is in the neighbourhood of St, Michaels: it is about six yards long and three wide; at the farther end is a large sofa with pillows: above is the coronet of the Douglas family, (who formed this cave) these were all neatly chiseled. In this cool retreat we took some refreshment. We next gained the summit of the Rock, and here were most enchanting views indeed! On the eastern side the Barbary and Spanish coasts extended in majestic sweep on either side of the extending sea, each claiming an undivided attention, till fickle curiosity, rover like, turns round to admire the western picture, where rich landscapes, dressed in rural garbs, with peeping towns, 'twixt vineyards, groves and water, courted the notice of the admiring eye. But the

soul of absorbing attraction was far away descenda ing in radiant glory on the bosom of the western deep! the changing clouds of eve were beautifully tinged with his departing splendour, as the orb of day moved for a moment on the face of the waters, and then disappeared in the smooth billowy surface of the burning ocean.

Not far below the lightning-struck tower in a remote spot, is the Jew's burying ground; but no stately tombs embellish it: here and there a soli tary, black marble slab tells the passer-by where a wandering Israelite reposes. It must be a difficult task to convey the dead to this place, owing to its height from the inhabited part of the Rock. Another day I devoted to the eastern side this we descended by the Mediterranean steps, (above three hundred) which were wide and beautifully cut. The vegetation which every where abounded, surprised me much; in little clefts of the Rock, grew immense prickly pear, fig, and other trees. Here grew promiscuous knots of the yellow and purple everlasting flowers, thyme, sage, asparagus, &c.: there the double myrtle, jesamine, mignionette, &c. &c. in places+ where human foot had never trod. In this part of Gibraltar, live two or three distinct species of the monkey race, whose dwellings defy the access of man-each family have their castle. The various roots and herbs, and many nooks of water supply their wants. There being but a few solitary guardhouses in this part of the Rock, it is not unusual.

for these subtle creatures to annoy a single person: if unarmed, they will throw stones, and brandish sticks, with more force than welcome. After sun

set, they will descend to their suppers; a mother sometimes has one youngster in her arms and one on her back, when she goes down to eat. The fathers assume a consequentiality which soars a step higher than a nurse's survile office. I have watched them digging up the roots, pealing and tasting them like a dainty cook, suiting his palate. The east wind is most obnoxious to them, as it fronts their cells; it sometimes drives them to the western side of the Rock, where they have been caught. The governor would not allow them to be killed, and some used to say they were kept in reserve in case of famine, from a long seige, or other causes; but as I never asked his Excellency, I will not vouch for the truth of this assertion. We roved to the southern end; the magnet of attraction there was the Governor's cottage, which is a pretty little place enough. From the heights above it, the town of Ceuta on the opposite coast, has a pleasing effect. Close by the cottage is "Beef Steak Cave:" in the centre of which is hewn a table, and seats round it. The Germans, who fled from the French army, and sought a protection here in their hours of recreation, made this an interesting cave. On a large monument which they cut, is an affectionate inscription to George the Third, as a tribute of gratitude; and there is also a neat compliment paid to Gene