The name of this island, as all know, is also sadly associated with that of one of our naval heroes, Admiral John Byng. It was to the relief of Minorca from the French that Byng was dispatched on that expedition which ended in results so unfortunate for himself. Although a brave, gallant seaman, highly distinguished for his knowledge of naval matters, the tactics of this commander were ever those of caution, and his hesitation to attack a fleet of far superior force, and risk the reputation of his country by possible, if not probable, defeat, excited great odium against him. Upon the intelligence of the cautious manner in which he had conducted his operations becoming known in England, the Ministry, too feeble and cowardly to bear honestly the consequences of their own mistaken measures, threw the entire blame upon the Admiral, and roused afresh the anger of the nation against him by accusing him of cowardice. He was tried by court-martial, and, although recommended to mercy, was condemned to be shot. He met his fate with calm heroism at Portsmouth, March 14th, 1757, and, by his demeanour in his last moments, put to shame the miserable calumnies of his accusers. "How many traitors to their God and King Escape the death which was reserved for Byng." FOOTNOTES: [32] The loftiest mountain in the island--4850 feet above the sea. [33] The Ravine. [Illustration: [++] Decorative Image] [Illustration: [++] Decorative Image] CHAPTER XIV. HOW TO STUDY SPANISH CHARACTER.--BULL-FIGHTS.--PROVISION FOR THE SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF BULL-FIGHTERS.--FIGHT BETWEEN AN ELEPHANT AND A BULL.--EXPEDITION TO THE CAVES OF ARTÀ. Bull-fights, although we are told they are condemned by the priests, are still the fashion in Spain. They are the national _fiesta_, and to see the Spanish public in their natural characteristics one must go to these tumultuous scenes, as the "intelligent foreigner" is supposed to go to the Derby to comprehend the nature of the free-born Briton. The best bull-fights[34] are to be seen at Seville, that favoured city having the first pick of the noble bulls which are bred only in Andaluçia. The season commences on the first Sunday after Lent, and, weather permitting, a _funcion_ comes off each succeeding Sunday. During the intense heat of Midsummer there is an interval, but the sports are resumed at the end of August, continuing to the latter part of October, after which period the cold weather seems to exercise a depressing influence on the energy of the animal, preventing the full fury of the bullish nature from being aroused, and so renders this hero of the Spanish arena incapable of showing fight. The expense of each _corrida_ is about £400 in the larger cities. The spiritual welfare of the bull-fighters is always provided for at each _funcion_. Behind the scenes an altar is erected with burning candles, and a priest is ever in waiting to shrive any wounded man who may be carried dying out of the ring.