[5] The Lonja was built (as the word in fact implies) for an exchange, but, from the fallen state of Spanish commerce, it is now used as a depôt for the American Archives.
[6] The Province of Andalusia comprises, strictly speaking, only the three kingdoms of Seville, Cordoba, and Jaen; but that of Granada is generally included by modern Geographers.
[7] The kingdom of Granada was founded by Mohammed Abou Said, of the family of Alhamares, A.D. 1236.
[8] The Vale of Granada is, par excellence, termed La Vega. Vega signifies a plain.
[9] He who has not seen Granada—has seen nothing.
[10] Cosas de España! is a common mode of expressing the uncertainty of every thing connected with Spain. “Affairs of Spain.”
[11] Far be it from me to disparage the information or undervalue the exertions of this most estimable lady, to turn the precious time of my all-seeing countrymen to the best account: on the contrary, I can with perfect truth and from much personal experience say, that I never met with a better General Itinerary than that she has given to the public: and though, as regards Spain, the amount of information is scanty, yet it is nevertheless far more correct than that contained in works I have met with, devoted exclusively to the description of that country.
[12] There are tastes which deserve a stick.
[13] A mountain road.
[14] It may be as well, ere I start on my travels, to explain that there are three words in Spanish by which houses of entertainment are designated, exclusive of Parador, which may be considered a generic term, implying a place to stop at.—The first in rank is the Fonda, whereat travellers are furnished with board and lodging, but which does not extend its accommodation to horses. Next comes the Posada, which accommodates man and beast, but does not always profess to supply nourishment to either.—The Venta is a kind of roadside public house, where bad accommodation, and whatever else the place contains, may be had for money.