1894.] ESSAYS. 75 



there we drove to where the guides whom Ave had engaged, with their 

 douke5's, were waiting to pilot us up the rock. The path was zigzag, 

 and so narrow part of the way that we trembled for fear the donkey 

 might make a mis-step and throw us down the steep sides. We saw 

 beautiful flowers of every variety growing along the sides of the Rock, 

 and frequently stopped the guide, who was leading the donkey, and 

 sent liim to gather lilies, whose fragrance we could not pass. Every 

 shrub was in bloom. Lizards were crawling around everywhere. 

 About half-way up we alighted and entered the cave of Saint Michals. 

 The main entrance was closed by the government, as several have 

 entered this cave and never returned. One might easily lose his foot- 

 ing and plunge down the yawning abyss that gave back no sound 

 when a stone was dropped into it. We broke off some stalactites and 

 mounted our donkeys to proceed upwards, and after a most romantic 

 trip reached the signal station at the top of the Rock, where was 

 stretched before us a most magnificent view. The snow clad mountains 

 of Spain, the blue Mediterranean, and the mountains of Africa. We 

 looked through the powerful glass through which the name of every 

 ship that passes the Rock is read, and then partook of some bread and 

 cheese with English ale, which was procured at the top of the Rock. 

 The keeper introduced us to his little son who was born upon this 

 elevated height and named "Gibraltar." They called him Gib for 

 short. He ought to become a poet, looking out upon such grand 

 scenery every day of his life. It must be an inspiration to gaze upon 

 such grandeur. It is said that scenery influences character. " Switzer- 

 land is a country of mountains and of heroes. While the inhabitants 

 of low and level countries, especially on the plains of Russia and Asia, 

 submit to oppression and never dare like mountain-bred men to break 

 their fetters." While visiting Niagara, a few years ago, I said to the 

 driver of our carriage, I suppose you grow weary of constantly view- 

 ing this wonderful cataract. "No," said he, "I never am tired of 

 looking at the Falls and often, when business is dull, I go down and 

 look at them." After we had rested we began to descend Gibraltar, 

 and entered the extensive galleries, filled with guns, which were drilled 

 out of the solid rock. 



We went into St. George's Hall, which is also drilled out of the solid 

 rock and filled with guns pointed in every direction. Often the officers 

 clear the hall and invite their ladies there to dance. There is another 

 hall similar to this, named Coruwallis. After walking through gal- 

 leries until tired, we rode to a precipice where we dismounted and 

 seated ourselves to witness a sham battle on the plain below, which 



