184 THE SEA. 



does not, as we all know, belong to England, but is the most splendid appanage of 

 the Spanish crown. Havana, the capital, has a grand harbour, large, commodious, 

 and safe, with a fine quay, at which the vessels of all nations lie. The sailor will note 

 one peculiarity : instead of laying alongside, the ships are fastened " end on " usually the 

 bow being at the quay. The harbour is very picturesque, and the entrance to it is defended 

 by two forts, which were taken once by England in Albemarle's time and now could be 



HAVANA. 



knocked to pieces in a few minutes by any nation which was ready with the requisite 

 amount of gunpowder. 



Havana is a very gay city, and has some special attractions for the sailor among 

 others being its good cigars and cheap Spanish wine and fruits. Its greatest glory 

 is the Paseo its Hyde Park, Bois de Boulogne, Corso, Cascine, Alameda where the 

 Cuban belles and beaux delight to promenade and ride. There will you see them, in bright- 

 coloured, picturesque attire sadly Europeanised and Americanised of late, though seated 

 in the volante, a kind of hanging cabriolet, between two large wheels, drawn by one 01 

 two horses, on one of which the negro servant, with enormous leggings, white breeches, red 

 jacket, and gold lace, and broad-brimmed straw hat, rides. The volante is itself bright with 



