An Abandoned Province 233 



existence of extensive huertas (plantations) a few miles up the 

 banks of Alagon. This is just one of those enclaves of rich soil 

 for which the Arabs always had a keen eye; and ancient boundary- 

 walls, with evidence of extreme care in irrigation and cultivation, 

 all bespeak Moorish handiwork. These huertas are planted with 

 fig, pomegranate, cherry, and various exotic fruit-trees, besides 

 cork-oak and olive ; every tree displaying signs of extreme old 

 age — though that strikes one in most parts of Spain. Never have 

 we seen more luxuriant crops of every sort than in those ancient 

 huertas. Yet they are inset amid encircling wastes ! 



Granadilla (its name surely suggests cherished memories in 

 its founders of the famous Andalucian ve</a) lies at the gate of 

 that stranore wild mountain-res-ion called Las Hurdes. 



