64 



CATALONIA. 



passed through a valley in the direction of the Pyrenees, 

 the soil everywhere cultivated like a garden. Here were 

 immense numbers of olive trees of a very large size, 

 underneath which grain crops are cultivated. Some of 

 the wheat has almost covered the ground, but in general 

 it is just making its appearance, and in many places the 

 plough is still at work. On the hills the vines are culti- 

 vated in terraces, and not a spot is left unoccupied. 

 Adjoining the road over the Pyrenees are everywhere to 

 be seen the marks of the greatest industry— not a spot 

 which is capable of cultivation is left untouched, and the 

 mountain scenery is sometimes beautifully diversified by 

 dwellings surrounded with trees of every kind, and en- 

 livened by the verdure with which the mountain stream 

 has covered its banks. The hills themselves are entirely 

 destitute of herbage. After passing the town of La 

 Jonquiere on the French side, the ground (although evi- 

 dently of a very meagre quality) appeared generally cul- 

 tivated with vines and corn. The vines appeared every- 

 where to be cultivated with great care. I remarked 

 some new plantations; and, in one instance, a plantation 

 of the preceding year had made so little progress that I 

 could scarcely persuade myself the vines were not the 

 cuttings of the present year newly planted, with some of 

 the leaves still remaining upon them. On questioning 

 the postilion as to this point, he said that the plantation 

 had two years^ but the ground here was so very arid the 

 vines made little progress. 



Wednesday, 16th November. — Having called at the 

 banking-house of Messrs. Durand, who are agents for 

 Herries, Farquhar, and Co.'s notes, I took occasion to 

 mention to one of these gentlemen the object with which 

 I was travelling, and to ask his advice as to the best 



