404 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 
up, first of the houses in the town, and then of the large fish- 
ing-boats, which enlivened the whole view by the torches 
kindled at their prows, whose trembling gleam was reflected in 
the waves beneath. 
A good many Spanish passengers came on board early next 
morning, for the sea now affords the only practicable com- 
munication between this place and Catalonia, owing to the 
Carlists so intercepting the roads, that an escort, we were 
assured, is even necessary in coming to Roses from Figuieras, 
though but two leagues distant. Most of these people were 
peasants, or belonged to a body of irregular soldiery ; they 
all wore what are called espartillos, shoes made of hemp, well 
adapted for mountain-climbing ; but my endeavours to con- 
verse with them, and thus to get some practice in speaking 
the Spanish language, were not attended with eminent suc- 
cess, for though they seemed to comprehend my questions, 
I could make nothing of their answers, couched in a language 
which resembled the patois of the south of France much 
more than Castillan. Nothing can be more attractive than 
this Catalonian shore, and a month hence, when vegetation 
is in full beauty, must render it enchanting indeed. It pre- 
sented a succession of mountains, highly varied in form, though 
not very lofty, all covered with maritime Pines, and between 
which, now and then, a smiling and well-cultivated valley 
opened down to the sea, embosoming, on its shore, a hamlet, 
consisting of brilliantly white houses. Every where the 
steamboat’s signal brought out all the male population, in- 
variably wearing red caps, to see us pass. This was the case 
in succession at Palamos, Sitges, San Feliu, and Lloret. All 
these places wore an aspect of order and prosperity, for they 
have suffered little from Carlist invaders, who meet with no 
sympathy on the coast ; this is the most industrious and pros- 
perous part of the country, and, perhaps, through all Spain, its 
inhabitants are well known for good ship-builders and hardy 
sailors, who often traverse the Atlantic in their small 
skiffs. Before reaching Mataro, the mountains had disap- 
peared, the land became flat and fertile, villages were more 
