and the Pyrenees, in 1825. S53 



crowds beneath, during the whole of the procession, the mean- 

 ing of which I did not well ascertain. 



We remained four days at Barcelona, during which we made 

 two short botanical excursions. The one around Mont Jouy 

 was very successful. We met with Lotus ornithopodioides and 

 edulis, Atractylis cancellata^ Stachys hirta, Helianthemum hre- 

 vipes, and some others. The Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), 

 which at Montpellier is almost a green-house plant, grows here 

 to an enormous size : it was now in fruit. On Mont Jouy it- 

 self, I observed several curious lizards, particularly the Gecko 

 fascicularls: this animal is supposed, with some reason, to be what 

 is translated '' Spider" in the Old Testament (Prov. xxx. S8.) ; 

 and it is somewhat worthy of remark, that its Italian name 

 Tarantala, is that also of the large poisonous spider. 



Our second excursion was of less consequence : we merely 

 traversed the cultivated grounds towards Sarria. We, however, 

 observed Cyperus rotundus, Lactuca tenerrima, and Anthyllis 

 tetraphyllis, in tolerable abundance. All the fields of beans 

 round Barcelona, and I believe I may say the same in general 

 terms of Catalonia, were infested with the Orohanche pruinosa*^ 

 Lapeyr. A yellow species also grows on them, but more spa- 

 ringly, and appears to be a mere variety of the other. Schismus 

 marginatus grew plentifully on the ramparts of the town. 



The limits we were obliged to place to our residence in this 

 part of the country, prevented us from visiting Mont Serrat* 

 This mountain, however curious on many accounts, ought to 

 be examined by every botanist who goes to Barcelona: three 

 or four days additional wiU suffice. From what I could learn, 

 it would be no imprudent plan previously to insure his life, as 

 the mountain, during the Spanish troubles, has been made the 

 head-quarters of some bands of banditti, who know how to put 

 in practice the adage, that " dead men tell no tales." Should 

 one feel no inclination to go there, or have but a day or two to 

 ^end at Barcelona, the most proper places for botanizing are 

 along the coast : the interior being always in cultivation, must 

 be less rich in indigenous plants. 



• Is not this the same with O. crenata, Forsk. ? 



JULY SEPTEMBER 1827. Z 



