of the Old World. 481 



of Algeria, would be considered but a paltry village 

 were it in India. 



The evening wet and raw. Sat round a wood-fire 

 in the hotel with much pleasure. 



Sunday, 14th. The weather cold and disagree- 

 able ; snow and rain falling all day. 



Called on General Gastu, the Commandant of 

 the Division of Constantine, who lives in the old 

 Moorish palace formerly belonging to the Bey of 

 Constantine. 



It is a low irregular building, having a courtyard 

 in the centre, with an oriental verandah all round, 

 supported by small columns of very fine marble of 

 different colours. It is, however, altogether but a 

 poor specimen of Moorish architecture. 



In the courtyard the General has some fine speci- 

 mens of ostriches and gazelles, from the deserts near 

 Biscara, wfeich latter much resemble our Indian 

 antelope in' form, except that they have not such fine 

 horns. 



In the evening some of our party attended a 

 bal masque, where they were much amused by the 

 diversity of costume. 



Monday, 15th. The weather wet and disagree- 

 able ; remained in the hotel the greater part of the 

 day. Received an invitation to a ball given by 

 the General at the palace. Visited the house of 

 M. Jules Gerard, the lion-slayer, one room of which 



2 I 



