2 Algiers as a Winter Residence. 



as if of marble against the bright blue sky. To the left of 

 the city stretches a chain of olive-clad hills, plentifully clotted 

 with white villas ; whilst beyond, so pale in outline as almost 

 to be mistaken for clouds, lie the far-off snow-peaks of the 

 lesser Atlas. 



Hotels are not too plentiful in Algiers ; and for travellers 

 who are spirited enough to venture upon oriental housekeep- 

 ing, it is advisable to take one of the pretty furnished villas in 

 the suburbs. Once established, the traveller will find ample 

 distraction in wandering among the narrow streets of the old 

 city, and studying the unalloyed element of oriental life that 

 still prevails there. We see scene after scene out of the Arabian 

 Nights — here a youthful Aladdin in crimson fez and orange- 

 coloured vest, truanting with idle companions — there a dark- 

 cheeked Morgiana bound on some special behest — now some 

 veiled princess, accompanied by her negresses bound to the 

 bath — or a gloomy door is opened by some grave Moor, and you 

 catch glimpses of an airy court, planted with bananas, and 

 having a fountain in the midst. 



In the ugly French arcades which have been built upon the 

 site of picturesque old streets are to be found all the civiliza- 

 tions of modern life, such as omnibuses, shops, and cab-stands. 

 Indeed, but for the stately Arabs passing by, and the bronze 

 skins of the negroes shining in the sun, you might fancy 

 yourself in some small town of the provinces. 



In the country, the two elements, French and Arab, are 

 mixed in about the same proportion. You meet group after 

 group of handsome, tawny- skinned fellows driving in donkeys 

 laden with wood, oranges, or poultry ; or a stately, well- 

 mounted caid, leaning back in his embroidered saddle ; or a 

 camel from the interior, ridden by a wild-looking Ishmael, 

 wrapped in white burnouse. It would be hard to say whether 

 the town or the country offers most interesting matter for 

 observation ; both to the student of Arab or colonist life, the 

 field is large and varied. 



Alike striking and impressive is the spectacle of Mahometan 

 worship, whether seen as we saw it, in the lighted Mosque 

 during the Rhamadan, or out in the fields at sunrise, where a 

 couple of solitary worshippers raise their hands towards the 

 east, ' ' out of which cometh our help." 



The coloured plate prefixed to this article is from a sketch 

 by Mrs. F. Le Bridell, and represents a scene of evening 

 prayer. 



Again, there are the ceremonies of the Mahometan 

 Sabbath, when all the women betake themselves to the 

 cemeteries, and pray to the souls of the dead. Nothing can 

 be more oriental and picturesque than the groups of white-robed 



