DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.11789#0043
VALETTA. 33
glare. On-a nearer examination, however, it will
be found that every spot or nook covered -with any
soil is carefully cultivated, so that in many parts it
exhibits considerable fertility, especially in March
and April. When we passed through the island,
many of the pastures were covered with a luxuriant
growth of a species of clover called silla, having
bright red flowers, and presenting altogether a
truly magnificent appearance. The soil and cli-
mate are both too dry for general cultivation, but
several kinds of fruit-trees, such as the fig and
orange, seem to thrive well. Cotton is the staple
production.
The harbor of Valetta is one of the finest in the
world, and has no equal in the Mediterranean. The
view of the city from the port is very beautiful and
striking; the noble and extensive fortifications
erected by the Knights of Malta give it an exceed-
ingly grand and imposing aspect.
When you first land in Valetta, you ascend a
long flight of stone steps, called the " Nix Mangiare
(nothing to eat) Stairs," from the fact that here
the beggars are constantly importuning the passers-
by with the complaint of "nothing to eat." The
ascent of these stairs is very fatiguing to those who
are not active and strong. Byron, whose lameness
glare. On-a nearer examination, however, it will
be found that every spot or nook covered -with any
soil is carefully cultivated, so that in many parts it
exhibits considerable fertility, especially in March
and April. When we passed through the island,
many of the pastures were covered with a luxuriant
growth of a species of clover called silla, having
bright red flowers, and presenting altogether a
truly magnificent appearance. The soil and cli-
mate are both too dry for general cultivation, but
several kinds of fruit-trees, such as the fig and
orange, seem to thrive well. Cotton is the staple
production.
The harbor of Valetta is one of the finest in the
world, and has no equal in the Mediterranean. The
view of the city from the port is very beautiful and
striking; the noble and extensive fortifications
erected by the Knights of Malta give it an exceed-
ingly grand and imposing aspect.
When you first land in Valetta, you ascend a
long flight of stone steps, called the " Nix Mangiare
(nothing to eat) Stairs," from the fact that here
the beggars are constantly importuning the passers-
by with the complaint of "nothing to eat." The
ascent of these stairs is very fatiguing to those who
are not active and strong. Byron, whose lameness