An Abandoned Province 233 
existence of extensive huertas (plantations) a few miles up the 
banks of Alagén. 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 vega) lies at the gate of 
that strange wild mountain-region called Las Hurdes. 
