ONE OF CRETE'S NEIGHBOURS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue XX, 15 May 1897, Page 618

ONE OF CRETE'S NEIGHBOURS.

Corfu and Crete are said by a recent writer to be the most beautiful of the lonian islands, and the former has been described by Bishop Wordsworth as ‘ a sort of geographical mosaic to which all the countries of Europe have contributed colours.' Corfu was never conquered by the Turks, and its inhabitants are considered to bear a strong resemblance to the ancient Greeks. It has belonged at different times to the Romans, Venetians, Neapolitans. French and English. In 1863, when Prince George of Denmark was chosen by the powers for King of Greece, the Cortuites petitioned that their island might be incorporated in the kingdom of Greece, and Great Britain consented. The climate of the island is delightful and the scenery enchanting. In other portions of Southern Europe the gray green of the olive groves grows somewhat monotonous, but in Corfu it is relieved by stretches of brilliantly green grass. Pomegranate and fig, orange, lemon and banana trees grow in profusion, and palms, eucalypti and papyri flourish. There are quantities of oleanders, magnolias and roses. The inhabitants are so lazy that they hardly attempt even the easiest cultivation, and

fortunately for them the soil and climate render it almost unnecessary. A Corfu olive tree left to its own devices will frequently yield as much as two gallons of oil each season, with no more labour involved than a simple gathering and pressing of the fallen fruit. Corfu is the favourite place of residence of the Empress Elizabeth of Austria, who has built there a winter palace which she calls the Villa Aehllleion. It is rumoured that the name was given in reference to the one vulnerable spot ever discovered in the heart of the Empress. Several million dollars have been spent in beautifying the palace and surrounding park, and an ideal spot is the result. A most beautiful and artistic monument is erected in the grounds to the memory of Prince Rudolph, the son of the Empress, who, less Spartan than his imperial mother, fled from unhappiness in love by the way of suicide. When at home in Corfu the Empress Elizabeth spends much time studying the Greek language and literature, with which she is very familiar.