The Straits of Gibraltar lie between Morocco and Spain, and the Pillars
of Hercules, about which you have probably heard, are the promontories
of Europe and Africa which jut out into the Mediterranean Sea at the
Straits, and are but eight miles apart.

The European point is called the Rock of Gibraltar; the African, Abyla,
or Apes' Hill, from the number of apes that have made their home on it.

Morocco is ruled by a Sultan, whose authority is supreme.

The Moors, as the inhabitants of this country are called, are a very
ancient and warlike people, who were at one time a very powerful race.

In the twelfth century they conquered Andalusia, Valencia, and a part of
Aragon in Spain, together with a portion of Portugal. In Spain they
established the Kingdom of Granada, about which so many enchanting poems
and romances have been written.

In the city of Granada they built the famous Alhambra. This magnificent
palace and citadel was built by the Moorish kings of Granada in the
thirteenth century. The Royal Villa, the Generaliffe, which is also in
the city of Granada, was built about the same time.

The Alhambra and the Generaliffe are considered two of the most
beautiful buildings in the world. The architecture and the decorations
are perfect in detail and execution. You must read some time Washington
Irving's "Alhambra." It is filled with interesting legends of these
Moorish palaces.