Steam Communications. 43 



The intercourse between Gibraltar and Spain is carried on 

 by coasting vessels, and by French as well as Spanish steamers, 

 while the postal communication with Great Britain is conducted 

 by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Packet Company. 



Correspondence with Spain and other parts of the Con- 

 tinent is carried on overland, but is little to be relied upon, 

 as, owing to the horrible condition of the Spanish roads, a 

 delay of from six to eight days sometimes occurs in bad 

 weather. Between Gibraltar and Cadiz, a distance of only 

 sixty English miles, the letter-bag is said to have often been six 

 days on its way. 



The narrative of our stay at Gibraltar would be defective 

 if we omitted mention of the numerous proofs of hospitality we 

 experienced on all sides. Invitations were repeatedly received 

 from the Convent (Government House), as well as from 

 private families, and everywhere we experienced the most 

 cordial reception. 



We must in particular mention a visit paid to Captain War- 

 den, the superintendent of the station and arsenal, as it afforded 

 an opportunity of becoming acquainted with a feature in the 

 English naval service, as practical as it is worthy of imitation. 

 The superintendent of the arsenal inhabits a beautiful roomy 

 house, belonging to the Government, situated in a large garden, 

 well planted with splendid plane-trees, laurel, and orange- 

 trees, and ornamented with most beautiful and odoriferous 

 flowers. As a superintendent's income would not admit 

 the outlay necessary properly to furnish so large an edifice, 



