The climate of Cadiz is very healthy. Almost sur rounded by water, the heats of summer arc moderated by the sea-breeze ; and, except when the solano or south-east wind prevails, few places enjoy a more nap.
py temperature. This wind passes over the scorching plains of Africa, and is said to have a curious effect in inflaming the passions ; for, during its continuance, it has been observed that the most irritable of the inhabi tants commit every species or excess. This city is well supplied 1% ith every kind of provisions ; its fruits aro cheap, and the hest wines arc made in the neighbour hood ; but lodgings are immoderately high ; and all the necessaries of life arc at an exorbitant price. Luxury is here carried to its greatest height, and extends to dress, carriages, houses, furniture, servants, table, Ecc. Every moment that can be spared from business is employed in dancing, gaming, plays, and company. 'rile entertainments are frequent, brilliant, and sump tuous, and served with great neatness and delicacy. Thc higher classes are very hospitable to strangers, and pos sess a frankness and politeness of demeanour which is seldom found in the other cities of Spain. Cadiz had formerly a French theatre and an Italian opera, both of which were of short duration. The building of the latter has been converted into a reading room, called the Camorra. The national theatre is built and laid out with great taste, and is both large and commodious. It is the great resort of the higher classes ; but every part of the house is private property, except one bench in front of the boxes. Gaming is the pret ailing N ice of this city, and is, in general, carried to a 'Cr; censura ble extent. An amusement common in C,.diz, is mcn tioned by Mr Semple in his second journey in Spain, which presents us with a faint specimen of the ancient tournament, and is to be met with, perhaps, in but few other parts of Europe. " A stand, ornamented with the arms of Spain," says he, " was erected in the centre of the great market-place, on which were placed bated swords and daggers of various lengths. A tall cid man, with a large rapier, acted as umpire of the lists : the people collected, and a large ring was made. A cham pion approached, examined the weapons, and having found one to suit his purpose, he grasped it, and threw down his glove upon the ground. After walking to and
fro for some time, an antagonist presented himself, who took up the glove, and then threw it down with con tempt. Ile was suited with a sword ; the two heroes approached, touched their hats to each other, saluted the master of the lists, and tried the length of their weapons. All being arranged, the old man gave the signal, b• a motion of his rapier, and the battle berm. It was contested with great skill on both sides. After a certain number of hits, the umpire declared who was the conqueror. The two parties then went round the ring, collecting donations in the hilts of their swords ; and, if they had skew!) much skill, had seldom reasoi to complain.
" If the combatants at anv time became irritated, the umpire separated them until they grew cool. In the of the affray, while swords and daggers were clashing, and the spectators watching the gestures of the combatants in prolOund silence, the sunset bell tolled, and the weapon- were immediately deposited upon the stand,—all hats were off,—and the crowd dispersed, mut te•ing the evel,ing pra3ers to the virgin." During- the tine seasons of the year, parties of plea sure crowd to Chich.tra, a village about fear leagues from Cadiz, and which consists chiefly of pleasule hon -s 1:( longing to the inhabitants of that city. It is a most delightful spot, and commands a fine view of the bay, the town, and the sea. But, in the midst of pleasure and profusion, this city is attended with one very great inconvenience—the want of good water. Its well water is hard, brackish, and unwholesome ; and what is generally used is brought from the port of St Marv, in boats kept for the purpose, the annual expellee of which is estimated at about 20,0001. This resource, however, also sometimes fails them, particularly in times of drought, or even when the sea is rough, or the winds contrary. What they use for the domestic pur poses of washing, Ste. is the rain-water which falls in the inner courts of the houses, and is collected in cisterns. The ice, which is used in great quantities, for cooling wine, making creams, &e. is brought from the moun tains of Ronda.