Gibraltar

a town and strongly fortified rocky peninsula near the S. extremity of Spain, belonging to Great Britain. It is connected with the mainland by a low sandy isthmus, 1% miles long and %4 miles broad, known as the “neutral ground,” with Gibraltar Bay on W., the open sea on the RB. and S. The highest point of the rock is about 1,400 feet above sea-level; its N. face is almost perpendicular, while. its E. side exhibits tremendous precipices. On its S. side it is almost inacce ible, making approach from seaward impo ible; the W. side, again, although very rugged and precipitous, slopes toward the sea; and here the; tock is secured by extensive and powerful batteries, rendering it apparentjly impregnable. Vast sums of money and an immense amount of labor have been spent in fortifying this celebrated stronghold, which, as a coaling station, depot for war material, and a port of refuge in case of war, would form one of the most important points of support for British naval operations and commerce. The town is also on the W, of the peninsula. ———————————— The town of Gibraltar is situated on the W. side of the peninsula, terminating in Europa Point, and thus fronts the bay. It consists chiéfly of one spacious street about half a mile in length, lined with shops, and paved and lighted. The principal buildings are the governor’s and lieutenant-governor’s houses, the admirality, naval hospital, victualing office, and barracks, and a handsome theater. Its water supply is derived from the rainfall.