_A._--The chief source of our animosities springs from differences in religion. _Sp._--We are not troubled with these in Spain. _A._--The next is difference of race. _Sp._--We are free from this too. _A._--Have you two great organized interests, commercial and agricultural? _Sp._--From these too we are free. _A._--Have you two powerful opinions, monarchical and republican, as those which divide France? _Sp._--We have not. _A._--Have you been brought to within an hour of revolution and bankruptcy by an “ideal standard?” _Sp._--Spain has no financial difficulties of an abstract kind. _A._--Do you suffer from the despotic power of a sovereign? _Sp._--No. _A._--Have you to fear the turbulence of a mob? _Sp._--No; the people of Spain are docile, _when left alone_. _A._--Are there oppressive privileges belonging to the aristocracy? _Sp._--No. _A._--Is the power of the Church excessive, and misapplied, or its wealth inordinate? _Sp._--No, we have none of these evils in Spain. _A._--Have you pauperism? _Sp._--No;--nevertheless we are distracted. _A._--It is, therefore, my turn now to ask, why? _Sp._--I should like to hear your reasons. _A._--They are contained in the fact, that it is I who ask these questions, and you who reply. _Sp._--Our distractions would not subside, if I thought as well of Spain as you do. _A._--My meaning is, that the imitation of Europe is the source of the troubles of Spain. Since this conversation occurred, Spain has justified these conclusions, by remaining unmoved amidst the storm of opinion which has swept over Europe. LONDON, _October, 1849_. CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME. BOOK I. PAGE CHAPTER I. THE STRAITS OF GIBRALTAR 1 CHAPTER II. THE CURRENTS OF THE STRAITS 21 CHAPTER III. GIBRALTAR OF THE MOORS 32 CHAPTER IV. EXCURSION ROUND THE STRAITS 51 CHAPTER V. ALGECIRAS--TARIFA 60 CHAPTER VI. CEUTA 85 CHAPTER VII. CEUTA--BOMBARDMENT OF TANGIER 114 CHAPTER VIII. CADIZ 126 CHAPTER IX. EXCURSION ROUND THE STRAITS 145 CHAPTER X. EXCURSION IN THE STRAITS--CADIZ POLITENESS 172 CHAPTER XI. CARTEIA--TYRE AND HER WARES--GLASS 188 CHAPTER XII. THE STONE OF HERCULES 204 BOOK II. THE COUNTRY OF THE ROVERS. CHAPTER I. OFF SALEE 254 CHAPTER II. RABAT 277 CHAPTER III. THE JEWS AND JEWRY IN RABAT 299 CHAPTER IV. THE BAÏRAM 317 CHAPTER V. THE SULTAN: HIS COMMERCIAL SYSTEM 332 CHAPTER VI. THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN RABAT 339 CHAPTER VII.