CHAP. XXI.

Light Winds-Detained on the Coast of Algiers---Description of it---Dreadful Propensity to Piracy-Pleasing Opportunity of affording Protection-Cross over to the opposite Shores of Spain-Description--Beautiful Appearances--Vine selected for Reflection-Arrival at Gibraltar -Infirm State of the Ship-Anxious to proceed-Excursion--Departure—Arrival in England-Conclusion.

THE winds being light, and mostly contrary, we were several days detained on the coast of Algiers, which is in general mountainous and barren, and abounds with a number of round towers close to the sea.

Algiers, the capital, has a considerable harbour, and is said to contain upwards of 100,000 inhabitants, consisting of Mahomedans, Jews, Natives of Christendom, Arabs,

&c. The climate all along these coasts is mild, and the air in general salubrious; the government generally arbitrary and despotic.

The Algerines are reckoned the most rapacious of all the Barbary States, like eagles or hawks, they piratically watch for, and seize on, defenceless merchant ships. I have known such come from their haunts; and while the industrious, and often unsuspecting mariner, of whom they have gone in pursuit, has been anticipating the pleasure of a prosperous voyage, and a safe return; already in idea landing on the happy shores of his native country, and running with eager arms to embrace a beloved partner, smiling infants, and children, whose mutual endearments amply repay solicitude, toils, and dangers, I have known them spring as it were towards their defenceless prey, and have had the gratification of being instrumental in rescuing from their merciless talons, the terrified and innocent fugitives.

I left the coast of Algiers, without any

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regret, still standing without any interruption and with extraordinary fine weather, on the 14th we approached the more beautiful and fertile coasts of Spain, near Cape Pallos and Carthagenia. Spoke the Greyhound, who gave us the pleasing and interesting intelligence that a peace is spoken of and credited, and that negociations have taken place, several of us exulted even at the sound. Hoping it would soon be accom plished, and be solid and durable.

During the light winds and calms which accompanied us from hence to Gibraltar, several of the nights were awfully pleasing and sublime. One of them particularly arrested the attention, and afforded a specimen of creation's wonders; the lightning flashed mildly from every part of the hori zon, which enlightened every object with peculiar splendour; the electric fire, elicited by the motion of the fish, &c. illuminated the surface of the sea, and together with the part which was severed by the ship, and the undulations produced, presented a scene of brightness and majesty, wonderfully various

and pleasing; the sublimity and magnificence of the one, and the radiancy, lustre, and brilliancy of the other, exhibited a view, eminently calculated to excite curiosity, admiration, and pleasing reflection, inviting investigation, which would lead the mind. to the omnipotent Creator, preserver, governor, and controuler of the universe, producing humility and wonder. "Lo, these "are parts of his ways, but how little a "portion is heard of him? but the thunder "of his power, who can understand?" Job xxvi. 14.

The next day we passed close along by Carthagenia, with a favourable breeze and delightful weather. This place takes its name from the once celebrated Carthage, in Africa, was built by Asdrubal, a Carthagenian general, whose successor Hanibal, during the plenitude of their power, caused serious apprehensions for the safety of Rome itself. It is now the principal naval port of Spain, in the Mediterranean, has a good harbour, and is calculated for an extensive trade.

We continued pleasantly sailing by a picturesque coast, with the vast mountains of Granada in the back ground, the tops of which were capped with snow, a striking and delightful contrast to the landscapes beneath. We passed close in by the coasts of Malaga, a continuation of the same interesting country; indeed the coast from Cape de Gatt to Gibraltar, is one delightful picture of nature, the air beneficial, and the soil fertile.

The mountains numerous and lofty, many of them frequently topped with snow; the beautiful declivities and vallies beneath, the neat white cottages seen by and among the trees and vineyards, the harbours and fishing towns near the fine beaches, and watch towers all along the coast, present a picture of industry, sublimity, and beauty, rarely equalled.

It is worthy of observation and admira tion, that the finest vines appear mostly in the roughest grounds, on the declivities, and even summits of some of these emi