CHAPTER IV.

The Soil of Malta.--Imports and Exports.--Absence of Trees. --Equable Climate.--Three Crops Annually.--Use of Fertilizers. --Ignorant and Pious Peasantry.--Food of the People.--Maltese Women.--Oriental Customs.--Roman Catholic Influence.-- Improvisation.--Early Marriages.--A Resort for the Pope.--Low Wages.--Beggars.--Wind Storms.--Blood Oranges.--The Carob-Tree. --Maltese Lace.--Sailing along the Shore. 64