AN ENCHANTED LAND.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 21, Issue 90, 6 December 1910, Page 2

AN ENCHANTED LAND.

On the south side of the. Mediterranean, opposite Spain, Prance, and Italy, lies a very glorious country, rich in artistic charm,, variety, and novelty. It is y comprised under three names—Morocco, Algiers, and Tunis; and the whole of that delightful region is rich in new subjects for the painter. An article by Archdeacon Sinclair in the January number of the "Art Journal" brings out some of the features of this enchanted land, which is becoming a favourite sketching ground :

"While glowing contrasts of colour and picturesque bits present themselves in every part of Algiers, of course it is the native quarter to which the painter will be mainly attracted. The streets are steep, narrow, and irregular, the houses white or pale blue, the street door usually carved, the inner court arcaded with pillars. The Bazaar is the concentration of life, colour, and interest. The liasbah, or Palace of the Old Deys, is a magnificient building at the top of the hill, full of exquisite Moorish art and workmanship, surrounded by delightful gardens'. Everywhere through Algiers are these lovely gardens, with the .sun glinting through the cool, dark-shining, sub-tropical foliage.

"Among wild plants are the dwarf palm, cirtus, and true heath ; masses of iris and narcissus ; wild hyacinths violets, and African cyclamen. In the gardens are roses, carnations, geraniums, lilies, violets, jessamine, and various creepers ; most of these bloom throughout the winter. There are extensive' plantations of white roses', the flowers of which are much larger than those of Europe, and are cultivated to produce the famous attar.

'•'The most picturesque buildings are the mosques, with their arcades, external and internal, corridors, domes, crenellated walls, and lofty towers. The stream of life of every street is indescribably varied, bright, and interesting."