LETTERS FROM SPAIN. 147 LETTER XXII. AGRICULTURE — ESPARTO PITA OPUNTIA PALMIT09 OLIVES — OIL MANUFACTORIES WINES WHEAT MODE OF IRRIGATION LIGtUORICE' POTATOES. '. if j'l'Mfct# iy-y*.f)’’d SEVILLE, NOV. 1809. I intend making a few observations on the agriculture of this part of Spain, I shall begin with noticing some vegetable productions, which are unknown with us, but which in this country greatly con tribute to the comfort and convenience of life. One plant called Esparto, the Spanish broom f Dr spartium Junceum of Linnaeus), grows wild on the plain, and is made into a variety of articles for common use: it is employed for making ropes and cables, and is particularly calculated for the latter purpose, as it swims on the water, and the cables formed of it are consequently not so liable to rub against the rocks as those which are made of hemp. It is also woven into floor-cloths and carpets, with which the cold stone, or brick floors of the houses in this place are covered during the winter. Baskets for all common purposes are made of it, and panniers for the conveyance of different produce to market, or for the carrying of manure to the fields. In fact, there are upwards of forty different articles made from this substance, which, as it demands no cultivation, is very cheap, ; . I •*! i bt l atjor.'.iaia /ft ;'