AND LOWER EGYPT. 67 



tides, and with these they mix a thin stratum of 

 mould, which they go in quest of sometimes as far 

 as to Sicily. This mixture is exceedingly prolific. 

 They cultivate with success the alimentary plants, 

 the millet, the annual cotton *. The fig and 

 other fruit-trees thrive extremely well ; here grow 

 to perfection those beautiful oranges, with a red 

 pulp, and of a delicious flavour, so highly es- 

 teemed in Europe. 



But it must be acknowledged, notwithstanding 

 the ingenuity and industry of the Maltese, their 

 fields present little that pleases ; nay, their aspect 

 is absolutely disagreeable. The walls which en- 

 close their endlessly subdivided possessions, the 

 whiteness of the stones, a soil yellow and parched, 

 almost without trees and without verdure, form a 

 very harsh picture which fatigues the eye. Culture 

 never assumes a smiling aspect, unless when se- 

 conded by nature. 



We must consider as one of the most powerful 

 efforts of Maltese industry, the formation of a great 

 garden, in which they were employed at St. An- 

 tonio, the grand master's country residence, about 

 half a league from the city. It was really a pro- 

 digy in a country where- it is so difficult to clothe 

 the ground ; any where else it would have been a 



• Gas%ypium herbaceum. Lin. 



f 2 mere 



