138 REMINISCENCES OF A SPORTSMAN. 



but on the 22nd January 1793 the fleet re-assembled and 

 entered the Bay of Cagliari, and the Admiral bombarded 

 the town without effect. On the 11th of February 1200 

 men were landed from the Bay of Gruaster with the 

 intention of occupying the heights to the eastward of 

 Cagliari. This detachment was attacked with most 

 determined bravery by the three battalions and some 

 militia, and driven back to their ships. 



There is one serious evil appertaining to this capital ; 

 — water is so scarce as to be sold at the doors of the 

 inhabitants. The castle is supplied with water by a well 

 of great depth, by the continual labour of men and horses. 

 Cagliari has an imposing appearance from the sea, stand- 

 ing on an eminence which commands the bay. But on 

 landing the steep narrow streets, paved with small pointed 

 stones, the effluvia from the drains at each dooi', and the 

 clothes lines covered with linen reaching from every 

 house to the opposite window, destroy altogether the 

 illusion. There are some good public buildings, and a 

 considerable number of churches. The population con- 

 sisted at that time of about 25,000. In the castle are 

 the vice-regal palace, the Cathedral, the University, and 

 the seminary. There is also a strong citadel. Cagliari 

 has a busy appearance until noon, when the shops are 

 closed until three o'clock, the intervening time being 

 employed in dining and indulging in the siesta. There 

 can be no doubt that the climate of Sardinia, particu- 

 larly during the excessive heat of the summer months, 

 is in many parts extremely unhealthy. The disease 

 with which persons are attacked is termed " Intern - 

 perie," whicli arises from malaria about the swampy 

 districts: even in the time of the Eomans it was 



