CROATIA AND DALMATIA. 403 



styled rector, is changed every month, and elected by scrutiny or lot. 

 During his short administration, he lives in the palace, and wears a 

 ducal habit. As the Ragusans are unable to protect themselves, they 

 make use of their wealth to procure them protectors, the chief of 

 whom, for many years, was the grand seignor. They endeavour also 

 to keep upon good terms with the Venetians, and other neighbouring 

 states. But in the year 1783, a dispute arose between them and the 

 king of Naples, respecting a claim of right to his appointing a com- 

 mander of the Ragusan troops. It was terminated by the republic's 

 putting itself under that king's protection. The city of Ragusa is 

 not above two miles in circumference, but it is well built, and con- 

 tains some handsome edifices. The ancient Epidaurus was situated 

 not far from this city. The Ragusans profess the Romish religion ; 

 but Greeks, Armenians, and Turks, are tolerated. Almost all the 

 citizens are traders : and they keep so watchful an eye over their 

 freedom, that the gates of the city of Ragusa are allowed to be open 

 only a few hours in the day. The language chiefly in use among the 

 Ragusans is the Slavonian, but the greatest part of them speak the 

 Italian. They have many trading vessels, and are great carriers in 

 the Mediterranean, like the Dutch, being constantly at peace with 

 the piratical states of Barbary. The towns of Gravosa and Stagno, 

 50 miles N. E. of Ragusa, are within the territories of this republic % 

 and there are also five small islands belonging to it, the principal of 

 wRich is Melida. 



