Imatges de pàgina
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ALGIERS.

KNOWING the interest which the French expedition against Algiers has created in the public mind, and aware of its anxiety as to the issue of that enterprize against those cruel and lawless aggressors, we have endeavoured to give such information respecting the capital, and its inhabitants, as we hope may prove interesting to our readers. The accompanying illustration presents an east view of this celebrated city, and may be relied on as a faithful representation, exhibiting the approach to it from the sea, with its bay and defences in a novel point of view.

Algiers, which many have confounded with Cæsaria, is now generally supposed to be the Jomnium of antiquity, the former having had a fine port, which could not exist at Algiers in those days; as the most accurate observations prove it to have been an island called 41 Guisars, which the Arabs joined to the main, giving it the additional appellation of Gezir bene Mozana, from the family

who founded the city. By the Moors and Turks it is styled Al jelzir Alguzie Algiers, the warlike.

The position of this place is remarkably strong, and it is defended by several very formidable batteries: that of the Round Castle is bomb proof; those of Rabal Baker, which defend the port, are built with great solidity, and even The castle of Sit elegantly formed. Alcolett has also great command over the water. The Star Battery, and that of the Emperor, are chiefly useful against a besieging enemy by land. A deep ditch surronds the city walls, the lower parts of which are in many places composed of marble. The Casserbach, and Castle of Alcasabar, in the city, are both very fine fortifications, and have generally large garrisons. There are usually four or five thousand men to work the guns in case of sudden assault; but nothing can exceed their ignorance of artillery and bad management of cannon. It should be observed, that a land force would have many advantages over a maritime one in the attack of Algiers, owing to the positions afforded by the surrounding hills, many of which command the town and its works.

The principal cities of the Regency of Algiers, are-Algiers, containing about 120,000 Souls; Constantina with a population of 100,000; Tremisan, once the capital of a great kingdom, but now reduced to insignificance; Bona, This city, with its white-washed which has an excellent bay and strong castle; houses, rising in amphitheatric order Oran, a large and populous town with a toleone above another, affords the inhabirably good roadstead, and within a few miles east of which there is a fine bay capable of tants a fine prospect of the sea, and, as receiving the largest fleets. Tenez, at one already observed, is extremely beautitime the capital of a rich and beautiful king-ful as you approach it by water. The dom: Boujeiah, which is very strong, and possesses a much larger port than Algiers, though not quite so secure; Mersalquivir, a place of some consequence; and Shershell, where there is also good anchorage; Arzew, celebrated for its extensive salt pits, the finest in the world; El-callah, renowned for its great market and manufactures of shawls and carpets; Bleeda, a populous town in the interior; and also

Gigeri on the sea coast: the territory of which is extremely mountainous, and the inhabitants considered the most savage and ferocious race in Barbary. All those Christians who happen to be wrecked on this coast, are invariably

made slaves of.

charm dissolves, however, most effectually on entering the town, where there is nothing to excite admiration. The streets are so excessively narrow, that in some two persons can scarcely walk abreast each other. This strange style of building is thought to arise from its affording a better shade, and more protection in case of earthquakes; by one of which Algiers suffered considerably in 1717. From the streets being con

cave and rising on each side, the greatest inconvenience arises to men and animals in passing through them; for when a Moor passes on horseback, you are obliged to get close up by the houses to prevent being trampled under foot. When M. de la Condamine first saw the fine pavement which ornaments the sides of every street in London, he exclaimed, "O happy country! where even those who go on foot are thought of." There are no shops in Algiers worth looking at. The rain water is received into cisterns, and there is a large fountain or reservoir, whose water is conveyed by an aqueduct, and thence profusely distributed all over the city in conduits made for the purpose.

There are nine great mosques, and fifty smaller ones in Algiers; three public schools, with several bazaars and market places. Its finest public buildings are those of the five Casserias, which serve as barracks for the soldiery; there are also five lock-up houses for the slaves, near which is a market for their sale!

The Pascialick, or Dey's palace, has two great courts, which are surrounded with spacious galleries, supported by two rows of marble columns: its interior ornaments chiefly consist of mirrors, clocks, and carpets. There are several taverns in the city kept by Christian slaves; and these are often frequented even by the Turks and Moors. There is, however, no convenience for sleeping; so that those who enter Algiers from the country, are obliged to lodge at the house of some friend. European merchants visiting this place, hire apartments in the houses

of Jews.

The city was formerly called Musgunna, by the Moors, from one of their early princes, but was afterwards named, says Leo, Gezeir, “because it lieth near the isles of Minorca, Majorca, and Ivica." This explanation, however, is rather in the spirit of the similitude between Macedon and Monmouth, for there cannot be a question that its present Arabic name was derived from the rocky islet before the town; and the appellation of Al Jezeirat el Gazzi, or "Algiers the warlike," was obtained from the time of Heyradin Barbarossa. The Spaniards of that day differed widely in military energy from those of the present, and with consummate bravery had constructed a fort on the islet, which, with a garrison of 200 men, tormented and intimidated Algiers for a period of 16 years. It fell, however, to the fortunes of Heyradin, after an in

cessant cannonade of a fortnight, and the heroic governor was carried, desperately wounded, into the town, where he was shortly afterwards bastinaded to death. To prevent the future occupation of such a spot by an enemy, and to form a haven for his galleys, were now the objects of the conqueror; three years of severe and sorrowful labour, wrung from Christian captives, enabled him to connect the Sit al Kolet or light-house rock, and the Rab al Bakka, or mole-head one, with the town, by a pier of extraordinary thickness and massive construction; and this, by enclosing an area of about ten acres, forms the small and insecure port, whence the shores of Europe have been so long insulted. The light-house is separated from the mole by a narrow ditch, over which is a wooden bridge enfiladed by ten guns. Successive tiers of batteries, rising in formidable array, like the sides of a gigantic three-decker, envelop the edifice; and a tolerably good lantern crowns the summit, at the height of about 130 feet above the level of the sea.

The country around Algiers is picturesquely studded with neat villas and and evergreens. In this temperate and gardens, amidst groves of olive-trees delightful region, the soil, where tilled, vies with that of any part of the world, and a rich profusion of exquisite grapes, melons, and other fruits, attest its capability. The eastern side of the bay forms a contrast, for on crossing the river Haratch, neither houses nor plantations cheer the prospect. The adjacent low grounds are well cultivated, and beyond the hills which bound them is the beautiful plain Mutijah, emphatically termed the garden of Algiers, and presenting to the eye a succession of Masserie, or farms, over an extent of forty miles in length, by about fifteen in breadth. This plain, being watered by many springs and rivulets, is exuberantly productive, and besides barley, wheat, rice, maize, henna, flax, and fruit, it yields large quantities of drak, a kind of millet, esteemed as being extremely nutritious for cattle. The agricultural process is primitive and simple; the harvest usually commences at the end of May, and the stubble is burnt before the autumnal rains set in; threshing is performed by the tread of horses, and the only manure used on these lands is that produced by pasturing cattle. The gardens are extensive, and exhibit a mixture of fruit-trees, vegetables, and corn-patches, without taste or arrangement, but yet combining many pleasing elements of effect.

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Every sentence pronounced by the Dey is inflexibly executed. Thieves have their right hands chopped off, and tied to their necks; others are cruelly bastonaded; some are strangled; and for graver offences, the punishment of the Kingon is awarded. The last inficts torture in a most revolting form; the criminal is thrown over the rampart of the Bab-Azoona, and is caught by some huge hooks in the wall, where he writhes in dreadful agony, until he is relieved by death. The horrible cruelties of impalement are also practised, but not so frequently as the kingan.

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To the Editor of the Olio. SIR-A custom prevails in Bedfordshire,' which I have not seen noticed in your interesting pages, and perhaps you will indulge a provincial correspondent by permitting me to describe. On May Day,' the villagers in this county make a garland, by wreathing flowers and ribands round a cross, formed of two hoops in which they place a doll, expressive of spring time, mirth and innocency. Formerly, this doll' was made with triune faces, to signify the Trinity; for our ancestors in the days of superstition would not sanction such pastimes without being reminded of the authority that gave rise to them, namely 'holy' days, at the conclusion of which the May sports were permitted to be enjoyed. Preparatory, however, in our times, to the garland' being publicly paraded through the villages and towns, the projectors and continuers of this custom put May-boughs over the door of respectable inhabitants, and afterwards solicit, by their patronage, a remunerating pittance. There is a pleasure in the recollection that in the midst of care, efforts, humble though they be, are left to assure the rising generations of a more illuminated period of literature, science and pursuit that peace once reigned in the heart of May, and hopes emblematised the beauties of the meadows; and faith looked upward and forward to providence for successful crops, and halcyon weather to secure them. On the 29th of May, a fine bough of oak is hung over the doors of the more respectable people. The children go about with a child dressed in flowers, and birds eggs strung upon strings. These inventive and juvenile aspirants to loyalty call the decorated offspring of a cottage, honoured on this

occasion with royalty and the supreme prerogative, "the King!" They sustain the pretensions to the character by singing, if not with melody, with heart and voice, “God save the King,” altering the second part of the second verse to

Send us good beef in store,

When that's gone send us more,—
Key of the cellar door-

That we may drink-Huzza!'

The Morris Dancers' have also shaken their bells round our habitations. But you have noticed these country fays,' I believe, in various parts of your work. I am, Sir,

Your's respectfully,
Beds, June 21st, 1830.

Anecdotiana.

STATE OF THE WEATHER.

P. W.

Three persons conversing about the present state of the weather, the first said, " What a raw day it is!""Yes," added the second, "I suppose 'twill be a boiling day to-morrow.""And," rejoined the third, "the day after may possibly be a roasting one.'

SINE DIE.

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It has always been remarked, that no one, least of all a king, likes his heir; and Horace Walpole used to say of the house of Brunswick in particular, that to hate the heir apparent ran in their blood. George the Second, who espoused the quarrel of his mother, had certainly good cause to dislike George the First, who, on the other hand, for the same reason, disliked his son; but the antipathies of Prince Frederick to his father, and George the Fourth to George the Third, were merely political, and almost, we might say, inseparable, from their stations.

Diary and Chronology.

Tuesday, June 29.

St Peter-High Water 30m after 7 Morning-59m after 7 Evening.

Our saint was born at Bethsaida, in Galilee, and was brother of St. Andrew, This apostle was firmly attached to his divine master, and was one of the three selected by him to be witness of his glory and his humiliation. After Christ's ascension, Peter continued very zealous and con- | stant in his Lord's service, till he himself was crowned with martyrdom at Rome by crucifixion.

Wednesday, June 30.

Commemoration of St. Paul.-Sun rises 45m after 3-sets 15m after 8

St Paul was beheaded in the year of our Lord 66. Of all the writers of the New Testament, St. Paul is considered the most learned: the writings of this saint are remarkable for depth of metaphysical acumen, and his epistles are conceived often in a style truly majestic and strictly philosophical.

June 30th, 1824 -Died Etienne Baque, T. 124, while culling simples, the humble trade of this patriarch in the Commune of Estaden, Haute Garonne; he was held in esteem, almost as a saint, by the populace.

Thursday, July 1.

St. Thierri, abbot, died A.D. 533.-High Water 52m after 9 Morn-29m after 10 Evening. July 1, 1555.-Burnt alive in Smithfield, John Bradford, a martyr to the Reformation. He was a native of Manchester, and had been chaplain to Bishop Ridley and Edward VI., during which period he became one of the most popular preachers in the kingdom.

Friday, July 2.

Visitation of our Lady -sun rises 46m after 3-sets 14m after S.

This festival was first instituted by Pope Urban V1., in commemoration of that remarkable journey which our Saviour's mother took into the mountains of Judæa, in order to visit the mother of St. John the Baptist,

July, 1821.-Expired Peter Dollond, son of the late celebrated John Dollond, inventor of the Achromatic Refracting Telescope. This gentleman was himself distinguished as a scientific optician, and author of numerous papers communicated to the Royal Society.

Saturday, July 3.

St. Phocas, martyr, A.D. 303,-High Water Oh Om Morning—Oh 4m Afternoon. The saint mentioned to-day dwelt near the gate of Sinope, and lived by cultivating a garden. Though his profession was obscure, he was well known over the whole of the country by the reputation of his charity and virtue. When a cruel persecution, probably that of Dioclesian, in 303, was suddenly raised in the church, executioners were despatched with an order to kill Phocas on the spot wherever they should find him. They encountered him in his own house, and there put him to death by decapitation.

Sunday, July 4.

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Lessons for the Day-12 chapter Samuel morning-13 chapter Samuel Evening July 4, 1777 Anniversary of the trial of John Horne, the politician (afterwards Horne Tooke, for a libel, in charging, in an advertisement in one of the public papers, the King's troops with murdering the loyal subjects of America, at Lexington. The jury, after a long hearing, from the attorney general and the defendant, who acted as his own counsel, brought in a verdict of guilty.

Monday, July 5.

St Modwina-Virgin in Ireland.—sun rises 47m after 3-sets 13m after 8.

July 5, 1826.-Died on this day, Sir Stamford Raffles, Governor of Bencoolen, and author of the History of Java. In the year 1824, Sir Stamford had the misfortune to lose all his vast collection of maps, charts, drawings, and specimens of natural history, &c. by the ship Fame, in which himself and family and suite were returning to Europe, accidentally catching fire; so rapidly spread the flames, that it was with great difficulty Sir Stamford and his family escaped with life, barely covered. The loss of property sustained by the Governor by this sad reverse of fortune was estimated at £25,000.

Tuesday, July 6.

St. Palladius, Apostle of the scots A.D. 450.-Full Moon 24m after 2 Morning. Most authors agree that Palladius was Deacon of the church of Rome. The Irish writers of the life of St. Patrick say that he had preached in Ireland a little before St. Patrick, but he was soon banished by the King of Leinster. After St. Palladius had left Ireland, he arrived among the Scots in North Britain according to St. Prosper, in 431.

July 6, 1553.-Expired at Greenwich, in the 16th year of his age, Edward the Sixth, a prince on whose excellent qualities all the English historians dwell with extreme pleasure. He was the only son of Henry VIII. by Jane Seymour, his third Queen. On the demise of this amiable youth, his half-sister, the hateful Mary, succeeded to the crown.

Published this day Vol. V. Complete in itself, price 78 6d extra boards; and Part 34, with Four Engravings, price ls. A few complete sets may be had, price £1 18s. illustrated with 139 Original Engravings.

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Mustrated Article.

have often felt a conviction that I am the only survivor of my race; and love

THE REMINISCENCES OF AN OLD cannot exist without hope!

MONKEY.

FOR the last few days I have felt myself extremely uncomfortable. My appetite has failed me, and I have been troubled with unpleasant dreams and strange fancies, both by day and night. "Why is this?" I ask myself, "what can the matter be? I cannot surely be in love in my old age?" Oh, no! The years of such pleasing folly have long since past, and all the gaieties and frolicsome pranks of my youth are but as a dream. I recall them to memory alternately with a smile and a sigh; and, as I sit and mumble my nuts in solitude with my few remaining teeth, and view the grey hairs which cover my emaciated and shrivelled frame, I find it difficult to imagine that I am the same monkey that was once the life and soul of every party. And as for love even if my years did not exempt me from the torments of the tender passion, who could I be in love with? I

VOL. VI.

B

Of this latter truth I was long since convinced, by an adventure which befell me in my voyage from India to Europe. The ship in which I was a passenger, or rather a prisoner, stopped to take in a supply of water, and was, as I then thought, very fortunately, becalmed. The face of the country was altogether too tempting to be withstood, and I made my escape to the shore, where I roved and revelled for many hours in all the luxury of newly recovered liberty. But, when evening drew near, I felt a painful sense of loneliness, and was beginning to wish myself again on shipboard, when my eyes were ravished by the sight of one of the most beautiful creatures I had ever beheld. She was sitting upon the bank of a small rivulet, with her elegant tail gracefully spread in a circle upon the ground close around her, so as to appear as though she was seated upon a cushion of rich black and white fur. I approached as carefully as possible; but when within a

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