Handbook for Travellers in Algeria and Tunis (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 edition. Excerpt: ...by the lieutenants of Abd-el-Kader, and were severely punished by the Due de Rovigo in 1832, and by the Comte de Damremont in 1837. The treaty of the Tafna put an end to these wars. Blidah was ceded to France, and Marshal Valee took possession of it on the 3d of May 1838. The inhabitants are for the most part merchants and cultivators. The growth of fruit trees, especially the orange tribe, is increasing in a remarkable manner, and large quantities of oranges are sold in the market of Algiers and exported to France. Every year this becomes a more remunerative industry. The situation of Blidah is exceedingly beautiful, at the foot of the first slopes of the Atlas Mountains, whose summits overshadow the town; while on the other side the Metidja plain stretches as far as the Sahel hills and the coast. It is a charming residence for a few weeks, especially about April, when the trees begin to put forth their leaves, and the air for miles round i's perfumed with the scent of the orange blossoms. No better place can be found for invalids who have spent the winter at Algiers, and require a change before returning to England. The water supply around Blidah is so abundant and has been regulated with such care, that the environs are a succession of the most exquisite gardens, the roads are well shaded with trees, and there are charming promenades in every direction. The climate is distinctly colder than Algiers in winter, cooler perhaps in spring, but much warmer than the heights of Mustafa in summer. It is a very convenient centre from which to make expeditions, as the hours of departure of the trains are later and more convenient than at Algiers. The Railway slat, is without the walls some little distance; but all the trains are met by omnibuses...