I have said Alcala supplies Seville with water. Here are great tanks
or reservoirs, of Roman and Moorish construction, whence water is
conveyed to Seville by noble aqueducts. The springs of Alcala are
almost as much vaunted as its ovens; and to the lightness,
sweetness, and purity of its water is attributed in some measure the
delicacy of its bread.
Here we halted for a time, at the ruins of the old Moorish castle, a
favorite resort for picnic parties from Seville, where we had passed
many a pleasant hour. The walls are of great extent, pierced with
loopholes; inclosing a huge square tower or keep, with the remains
of masmoras, or subterranean granaries. The Guadaira winds its
stream round the hill, at the foot of these ruins, whimpering among
reeds, rushes, and pond-lilies, and overhung with rhododendron,
eglantine, yellow myrtle, and a profusion of wild flowers and aromatic
shrubs; while along its banks are groves of oranges, citrons, and
pomegranates, among which we heard the early note of the nightingale.
A picturesque bridge was thrown across the little river, at one
end of which was the ancient Moorish mill of the castle, defended by a
tower of yellow stone; a fisherman's net hung against the wall to dry,
and hard by in the river was his boat; a group of peasant women in
bright-colored dresses, crossing the arched bridge, were reflected
in the placid stream.
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