ORAN, a considerable city, occupied by the Spaniards, in the province of Mascara, in the country of Algiers. It has strong and regular fortifications, and can easily be supplied from Spain with provisions and warlike stores. It lies in 35° of longitude west from Greenwich, and in 35° 55' north latitude. Since the year 1732, the Spaniards have held uninterrupted possession of Oran. It has a parish-church, three monasteries, an hospital; and the number of the inhabitants, according to the account given of it by the Spaniards, amount to 12,000. Towards the sea, the city rises in the form of an amphitheatre, and is surrounded with forts and batteries. Close to the city lies a strong castle, Alcazara, in which the Spanish governor resides. On the highest hill stands Fort St Croix, whose guns command the city and the adjacent country. From this fort they make signals of the approach of ships, and carefully watch the motions of the Moors, who often attempt predatory incursions into the neighbouring districts. A considerable number of Mahomedans take refuge in Oran; they dwell in a distinct part of the city, receive pay from the court of Spain, and render signal services against the Moors. The greatest part of the inhabitants of Oran consists of such as have been banished from Spain; and the same may, in a great measure, be said of the soldiers who compose the garrison. Five regiments are commonly stationed here; but, owing to continual defection, their strength scarcely equals that of four complete regiments. One of them wholly consists of malefactors, who have been condemned to remain here for life; the rest are such as have been transported for one or more years. There is here likewise a military school. Around the city are pleasant gardens; but it is very dangerous to cultivate them, on account of the Moors and Arabs, who frequently lie in ambush among them. The same reason prevents the cultivation of the fields in the vicinity; and the garrison
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