thing, owing to its miserable soil. I find I am
wrong, for here before us is a perfect greenery. Stately trees,
beautiful blossoms, fragrant and gaily-flowered shrubs, ferns and
grasses--all are here in abundance. How charming it all looked by the
light of many colored lamps! These gardens are evidently the favorite
promenade of all classes of the people--the Spanish don, the English
officer, the Southern Jew, and the swarthy African--all find a place in
its walks, and glide along its various avenues in twos or threes,
according to taste. The strains of the Garrison band, too, invite us to
linger yet, as the sweet airs of the reminiscences of Scotland whisper
among the branches. Sombre-clad priests, in long togas and shovel hats,
bustle about here and there, now talking cheerfully to one lady, now
looking correction at another; but all enjoying themselves with as much
evident pleasure as their more mundane flocks.

The boom of the Citadel gun cuts short all our pleasing reflections, and
we may (very unwillingly it must be confessed) tear ourselves away from
this happy place.

On arriving at the Dockyard gates we are summoned to give the pass-word
by the vigilant guard before we are allowed to pass the ponderous
portal. Those who have read Captain Marryatt's delightful story, "Peter
Simple," and I should hope there are few sailors who have not, will
perhaps recall the amusing scene which took place on this very spot
between lieutenant O'Brien and the soldier on guard.

Our days at pleasant "Gib." are drawing to a close. I feel assured that
we shall carry with us, in our voyage to the far east, many pleasing
recollections of Gibraltar--its balmy air and genial climate--its
abundance of grapes, melons, and oranges. Would we could send some to
our friends in England.

CHAPTER III.

Melita! The glory of a triumph clings, odorous as incense,
Around thy hero dead!

UP THE MEDITERRANEAN.--MALTA.

With the dawn of August 15th we were rounding Europa Point, and leaving
Gibraltar far away astern. On our starboard hand three or four luminous
points in the atmosphere indicate the position of the snow peaks of
Atlas, the range itself being lost in the distance.

We chanced on a favoring breeze, so all sail was spread to help us
against the strong five knot current always setting out from this sea. I
cannot tell with what feelings you entered upon this, the greatest
highway of commerce i