[72] Gibraltar was recaptured from the Spaniards by Abou Melic, the year following his arrival in Spain; and he assumed the title of King of Ronda, Algeciras, and Gibraltar.—He fell at the battle of Arcos, where his army was completely routed by that of Alphonso the Eleventh, commanded by the Grand Master of Calatrava, A.D. 1339.
[73] And, in the course of time, the Hisna trimming (Randa) has been torn off, and the place called Ronda.
[74] Gentry—from Hidalgo (Higo de algo). Son of Somebody.
[75] A.D. 1735. Part of this bold arch is yet visible.
[76] Ficus indicus.
[77] A body corporate of the nobility, whose province is chiefly to encourage the breed of horses.—The present male competitor for the crown of Spain was Grand Master of the R. Maestranza of Ronda, during the lifetime of Ferdinand VII.
[78] It was no unusual thing to send Regiments, that were very much in arrears of pay, to garrison the lines in front of Gibraltar; and so well was the reason of their being sent there understood, that sometimes they would take the settlement of accounts into their own hands. I recollect the Regiment of La Princesa refusing—Officers and Men—to embark for Ceuta, because they had not been allowed to remain long enough before Gibraltar to pay themselves. The regiment was permitted to remain three months longer, and at the expiration of that time embarked perfectly satisfied: a rare instance of moderation.
[79] A bushel nearly.
[80] A real vellon is equal to 2½ pence.
[81] At Ronda even an Octogenarian is a Chicken.