O'HARA'S FOLLY.

81

means to boot," it would appear very feasible to draw up Jacob's Ladder, clap a couple of 24-pounders to the muzzle of the Bellows, and bid defiance to the whole garrison. Only one slight objection to this is, that a winding path leading to O'Hara's Tower above, would enable the besiegers to overlook our position, and pound us to death at their pleasure.

The tower I have just mentioned is situated on the most southerly pinnacle of the rock; it was built by General O'Hara, when he was Governor here, with, it is said, the idea that from its summit a view might be obtained into the lines at Cadiz. If such were the intention of its erection, it proved a complete failure, received the name of "O'Hara's Folly," and is now fast crumbling to ruins.

The thermometer in the house has sometimes fallen as low as 55° of Fahrenheit, with torrents of rain. The latter has had the effect of entirely changing the burnt up and barren aspect of Calpe's rugged brows, and his sides are now clothed in verdure; innumerable luxuriant bulbous plants, particularly the narcissus, springing up amidst the clefts of the

Clus

rocks, where, some time ago, appeared nought but the desolate and cinder-like crags. ters of the most brilliant-coloured crocus also enamel the ground, which now produces abundant nourishment to the numerous flocks of goats, which climb the highest cliffs, and to the horned cattle, which are content to browse on the more accessible parts of the rock below. The poorer class of "Scorpions"* may also be seen issuing from their confined abodes, and, with basket on arm, ascending to the upper regions in quest of the wild asparagus, and other edible plants, particularly a sort of dandelion, which attains a great size, and is eagerly collected for the pot by these "botanists," who likewise lay a strict embargo on the numerous snails which are now seen cruising about, and which, under the name of "caracoles," are stewed down, into, it is said, a very palatable dish.

These good people appear, however, not to be over particular in the materials for their cuisine; at least, if you may judge by the eat

*Nickname given to the natives of the "Plaza,” as Gibraltar is called, par excellence.

STRANGE EATABLES.

83

ables displayed in the market-place. Here I have observed for sale, owls and hawks hanging up in friendly companionship with strings of goldfinches and yellow-hammers, amidst red-legged partridges and snipe; and, under the denomination of the finny tribe, scuttle-fish, and blubber, of the most disgusting appearance, exposed for food; whilst, in the vegetable world, the catalogue was swelled

heaps of enormous fungi and toadstools, at least, what in England we should consider as such, and baskets full of clammy and crawling snails!

On my remonstrating with the fat little gamedealer who was disposing of these articles, and pointing out to him the abomination of eating such carrion, he tapped me on the shoulder, and said, "Amigo, you have never tried, or you would not thus abuse it;"— and then taking in his hand the sacred bird of Minerva, which was looking more grave than ever, and smoothing its ruffled plumage, he added," and the flesh of this bird has peculiar virtues; it is the finest thing in the world for ladies who are embarasadas' (i. e., enceinte);" and observing me smiling, he added, very energetically," nay, on this point I will appeal to every medico in the place."

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A HURRICANE.

CHAPTER X.

Storms-Bellerophon-Number of ships in the bayTroops on board for Canada-Carlists reported to have entered Malaga-Start for San Roque-Masked ball-March of intellect in Andalusia-Introduction to a señorita-Practice in the Spanish languageReturn at daylight-Wrecks along the shore-Lame horse-Desertion and murder.

Windmill Hill, Feb. 19th, 1838.

WE have had dreadful weather since the beginning of the month. On the 11th, 12th, and 13th, it blew a hurricane, such as I never before experienced, and in our exposed situation we had the full benefit of it; roofs were untiled, timber blown about like chaff, and in the harbour a great number of vessels were driven ashore.

The Bellerophon had a very narrow escape,

The

and has bumped so much that I understand she makes already several feet of water. weather is, however, improving, which, when fine, will soon set us to rights.

We had, a short time ago, quite a fleet in the bay, no less than four line-of-battle ships, the Minden, Russel, Talavera, and Bellerophon, besides the Jupiter and Orestes. They have on board three regiments, the 11th, 70th, and 73rd; the two former going on to the West Indies, the latter to land here.

Yesterday was the first fine day we have had for a month, during which it has been blowing such complete hurricanes, that the whole bay is covered with wrecks and stranded vessels, no less than forty having gone ashore during two of the severest gales I ever felt,—one on the 14th, the other on the 24th February. During all this time, Lieut. Lacy and myself have been close prisoners on our mountain fortress, completely cut off from the world below. We, however, managed the other day to make a trip, for we had got quite desperate, not having been out of the house for nearly a fortnight; and though rain