49 
SPANISH MONKS ON “ HALF PAY.” 
the haunts of mingled charity and vice j since the 
decline of Don Carlos’s power in the mother country, 
they exist only in name. The numerous monks are 
now let loose on society, the Government allowing them 
a dollar per diem ; which, if paid regularly, would more 
than suffice for their maintenance : the state of the 
exchequer in Spain does not, however, admit of this, 
and, as a consequence, they have become a pest to the 
place, since even their learning and outward pretensions 
to religion cannot hide their depravities. 
The rides and walks in the island are very fine ; 
particularly the road to Orotava, a little mountain 
village about ten miles from Sta. Cruz. Some of the 
ravines in the immediate vicinity are also well worth 
a visit, the scenery being wild and striking ; many of the 
rocks are naturally excavated. Some varieties of 
cactus and aloe, as well as the Euphorbia Canariensis, 
are abundant ; the latter is used by the natives to 
produce the effect of blisters, they call it Tabriba, the 
juice more diluted is said to be a useful remedy for 
obstinate ulcers, &c. The houses of the small farmers 
are very clean. We were induced to enter one, but 
even here we found the faithful dog ready to dispute 
our approach, until a pretty sample of the Pisanos, 
called out, “ A’guarde perro estos son amigos, Ingleses,” 
“ Take care dog, these are friends, they are English.” 
We met with a hospitable reception. The good folks 
pressed us to partake of the simple dinner, which being 
declined, some nice fruit was set before us. The ox 
VOL. I. 
K 
