Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1817-10-02

-. but las T.foTt UT iE>S h'"i"
which bring with them their different
diversions and grand pfVcessi5ns.-
SUNDAY is considered a great day o.
amusement, ami is generally devoted.
except Ia the morning hour for mass.
To horse racing. fenring. qaoi's. &c.
and in the evening, balls, cards, and
dancing.
The people here generally possess
A great disregard for agriculture and
commerce. and indeed for haman in
dus'ry in general an excessive pride
aud arrogant contempt of al other
nations ; tempered the most nalis-
naut cast. which drives them to seek
rev nge in a most cowardly and das-
tartl like manner there are. howe
yer. some fers exceptions from this
general rule. They are also remark
able for their superstitious NcReration
Of the clergy. The women are hand
some.good tempered. and much prone
to gallantry, which gives them an
additional advantage in the eyes of a
stranger.
The following will give you some
fam, idea IF their superstition.
On 81. Vinoent's day ['he patrons
Of tie Kingdom of Valencia. who fou-
rished about $50 years ago numerous
stages are erected in all the principal
squares in the city, on which are re-
presented the miracles said To have
been performed by this good saint
One representation is the SAINTS reco.
vering an immense rice cake that had
been stolen another stopping fern-
Cious bull with his holy water sprin-
kIer. 4 moor who had fallen from
the top If house is kept suspended in
air tho scattered members Of a child
that had been cut to pieces are i'll
stsnty joined by touch of his cru
eiGs. What sublime representation
in honor Gf the d,i;y.
The Host. ar Sacrament. is admin
istered TO sick persons. who have been
pronounced past recovery. Ii Is car
ried,in the day or night. as occasion
NAV req@ire. with great Pomp and pa
rade. escorted BY guard Of soldiers.
with band of music. II moves slow
" along. the monks chanting, and
bearing in their hands long lighted
candle OF wax. This they believe Is
tho real presence of the Deity.-Iou
are warned Of its approach by the
ringing If a small bell. As som as
it pears. DOWN upon your knees you
must 20. and take of your hat if YOU
value you'll life fin the night. lights
must be placed in all your windows.
If in :he day. your balconies must be
decorated With crimson. silk. &c.
The country for several miles a.
round Valencia is one continual plain,
under the highest state Of cultivation.
presenting. now. the appearance Of a
New England August. Luyuriant
fields of wheat and corn, with plan
taiions Of olives-Mulberry, fig, and
orange trees, &c. The country how
ever, wants that diversity Of scenery.
so common and beautiful IN America.
You are socn tired ii wandering over
prospect which presents the same
objc at every turn OF the eye. The
soil is extremely rich. and produces
two crops of wheat a year. Every
munth brings with it new seed times
and new hsrs csts, so ihatthe husband
man has ms respite tic year round
.ApricotS. Strawberries, cherries. &c.
ale now in great perfection and plen-
", and for about so cents sufficien!
could be bought TO furhislr a desert
for ten people.
4 few DAYS since. l visited, with Z
party Of ladies and gentlemen. Muir
yiedru. aboat twelve miles distant.
where once stood the ancient Sasm
tum. The town contains about 500
inhabitants; Who are principally en-
gagged in agriculture. 1t is defended
by strong and large castle. where
the French, consisting Of 1900 men.
kept at bay 5000 Spaaiards and En-
glish. under General :RoacLe, who
were compelled to retire. Among the
mast conspicuous of the ruins. are
plainly 10 be seen the remains Of r.
manAmphitheatre. situated on the de-
cli,ity Of hill 5000 people could be
accommodated here, and the sradS-
tons Of tue seats are still distinctly