48 Voyage of the Novara. 



on board, and stated that, though as a rule only vessels 

 clearing from Spanish harbours were permitted to have inter- 

 course with the shore, an exception should be made in 

 favour of ourselves. This Andalusian was very communi- 

 cative, and amongst other things told us that the inhabit- 

 ants were supported almost entirely by fishing. Many 

 ships had now been waiting several weeks for a favourable 

 wind to pass the Straits. Some had thrice attempted to sail 

 towards the West, but in every case were driven back by 

 wind and current. In 1847, ^ J^ar of scarcity, Louis 

 Philippe had caused several French steamers to be stationed in 

 the Straits in order to take in tow ships coming from the 

 Black Sea laden with grain, and thereby to facilitate their 

 passage between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. In 

 the afternoon we had a visit from about thirty inhabitants of 

 Frangerola, who came on board in fishing-boats to view the 



