Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 2.djvu/23

 MALAGA.

��15

��loving words and our " Chateaux en Espagne" are more thau realized in the happy hours which each day brings.

Who could be otherwise than happy in a climate of almost perpetual sun- shine? To an inhabitant of northern climes it would appear incredible that weeks and even months pass without one cloudy day to obscure the brightness, and this without the penalty of a rainy season, which is not known in Malaga. In the months of November and Decem- ber more rain falls than at any other por- tion of the year, but it is so interspersed with sunshine that there is little oppor- tunity for dullness; even when the rain is falling the sun seems to be forcing its way through the clouds to remind us of its presence. The winter is charming beyond description ; such a sky is not to be found even in Italy, and the air is uni- formly mild and balmy We take our daily walks and drives as regularly as the Cathedral clock strikes the hours, planning excursions for days in advance without a fear of adverse weather. In- valids, especially those suffering from pulmonary complaints, are almost in- variably benefitted by this climate. An equable temperature and strong sunlight are powerful remedial ageuts both for body and mind. In the year 1861 a phe- nomenon occurred in the form of a slight fall of snow which created quite a sen- sation among the Malagnenos. It dis- appeared as suddenly as it came and has never made a second visitation. The summer months are hot, but the heat is less enervating than in a climate where the temperature is constantly changing, and much less dangerous. There are no epidemics and we have never heard a case of sunstroke reported.

Malaga is very irregular in appear- ance ; the ancient portion is quite a laby- rinth of narrow streets laid out before the advent of carriages ; those a little more modern are sufficiently wide to ad- mit one carriage, while others made with- in the last half-century are broad and well paved. The favorite promenade is the '■ Alameda," so called from alamos, (elm), it being bordered on either side by those trees. It is adorned by occa-

��sional statues and fountains placed at each end. The largest of these was erected last year in honor of King Al- fonso's visit to this city, its silvery spray rising to a great height, and re- flecting the golden beams of the setting sun, producing a most brilliant effect. The other, less pretentious in size, is en- titled to some consideration on account of having shared in the celebration of the marriage of ex-Queen Isabella, when it sent forth jets of red wine, to the ad- miration of all beholders.

On Sundays and days of fiesta, the Al- ameda presents an animated appearance, being filled with ladies and gentlemen promenading,or sitting in chairs arranged along the sides, which one may occupy a whole afternoon for the insignificant sum of half a real (two and a half cents) , with the additional advantage of listen- ing to gay music discoursed by a band of musicians furnished by the govern- ment. Here friends sit and chat over the current topics of the day ; maidens and lovers cast furtive glances of un- swerving fidelity, and little children, happiest of all, frisk about like young lambs, regardless of clean frocks and scolding nurses.

Running at right angles with the large Alameda is a smaller one, bearing the somewhat gloomy name of "Alameda de los Tristes," (of the sad). The name is an inappropriate one, as it is the gay- est, most cheerful street in the city. The sun sheds upon it its life-giving rays " from early morn till dewey eve," while the merry birds fill the air with their joyous songs. Acacia trees afford a geateful shade for those who wish to pass the hours in "dolcefar niente" a pastime much sought and enjoyed by in- habitants of southern climes. As the Alameda de los Tristes is the gayest street, so the Calle Peligro (Dangerous Street), is the safest ; Calle Ancha (Broad Street), the narrowest ; Calle Sucia (Dir- ty Street), the cleanest; and Calle dil Viento (Wind Street), the least airy. The Plaza de la Constitucion derives its name from having been the site of the City Hall at the time the Constitutional Law was first proclaimed, in the year

�� �