Chapter XIX

JOURNEY FROM MURCIA TO ALICANT.--ALICANT; AND JOURNEY FROM ALICANT TO SAN FELIPE AND VALENCIA.

Winter in England and in Spain; Journey from Murcia; Orihuela and its Huerta; Inhabitants, and Superstition; a Muleteer’s Story; La Granja, and effects of the Earthquake of 1829; Elche, and its Forest of Palms; Commerce; the Date; arrival at Alicant; magnificent Houses; Situation of Alicant; the Feast of the Patron Saint; peculiarity in Alicant Society; Political Restrictions on Society; the Trade and Exports of Alicant; Barilla, the Huerta; an extraordinary Law-suit; Dangerous Road to San Felipe; Montforte, Novilda, and Elda; the Feast of the Concepcion Purissima; Sax, and Villena; Recontre with Moorish Physicians; Fuente de Higuera; Soldiers’ Opinions; charming Scenes; the Algarrobo; arrival at San Felipe; magnificent Moorish Remains; Relics of Moorish Customs; Journey to Valencia; Conversation with a Dominican Friar; the Plain of Valencia; Spring and Autumn in Spain; arrival at Valencia 283

CHAPTER XX.

VALENCIA.--JOURNEY TO BARCELLONA.

Bridges, River, Convents; prevalence of Religious Bigotry; Moorish Remains; Beggars, and the cause of their abundance in Valencia; the Archbishop; the University; Academy of Fine Arts; the Cathedral and its Tower; the plain of Valencia and its productions; Rice Grounds and their produce; produce of Silk, and Silk Trade; export of Fruit; prices of Provisions; Pictures; Valencia Society; the Ladies of Valencia; the port of Valencia; Paseos; Valencia Tiles; Journey to Murviedro, (the ancient Saguntum); Convento de los Reyes; Murviedro, its Fortress, and Ruins of Saguntum; an Arrest; a visit from the Alcalde; Journey to Tarragona; pleasing Scenes; Catalunia; Catalunian industry and its causes; Tarragona, its Antiquities and Cathedral; Provincial Dialects; sorting of Nuts, and the Nut trade; Journey to Barcellona, and arrival 327

CHAPTER XXI.

BARCELLONA--JOURNEY TO THE FRONTIER.

General Character of Barcellona, and its Population; Paseos, Ramparts, and Fortifications; the Conde de España; his Policy; Interview with the Conde; his Character and Government; Anecdotes of his Government; Political Feeling in Barcellona; Churches and Convents; the Opera; Monjuich; Barcellonetta; Decrease of Trade with England, and its Causes; General Trade of Barcellona; an Execution; the Priesthood and the People; a Miracle in 1827; Prices of Provisions; Visit to Monserrat; Journey from Barcellona to the Frontier; Delightful Scenery; Proofs of Catalunian Industry; Gerona Figueras; the Pyrennees; Reflexions 365

SPAIN IN 1830.