HOURS IN OTHER GARDENS 



left the dahabeah anchored beside Elephantine Island, 

 and slipped over in the felucca to this charming spot. 

 The harbor lies half hidden by rich vines, which trail 

 down rocky walls to the swift-flowing stream. There 

 is no house here, only open pavilions with seats, as 

 shelters from the burning sun. Hedges and thick 

 copses so subdivide the space that the area seems more 

 than it really is and the planting has been so skillfully 

 planned that surprises greet one at every turn: here is a 

 cluster of dom palms of remarkable size and beauty; 

 there, a grove of orange trees fragrant and fruitful; 

 beyond, oleanders big as apple trees and pomegranates 

 crimson with bloom; while rare specimens of tropical 

 vegetation abound. 



Long paths bordered with English flowers lead from 

 end to end of the island under avenues of splendid 

 palms. And roses — such a wealth of lavish blossoms! 

 Such expanse of thriving shrub! 



"Yes, you may have as many as you like," says the 

 attendant, seeing our covetous glances. 



Part of this Island of the Sirdar is left in its wild- 



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