ROUTE 228.

PHILIPPEVILLE TO
CONSTANTINE.

Railway, 54 miles. CONSTANTINE (Hotels: d'Orient, de Paris) Population, 34,000 (7000 Europeans).

HE city is in a situation unsurpassed for grandeur and picturesquenesss by any city in the world. It is on a hill with a flat summit, three sides of which are washed by the river Rummel flowing through a deep and narrow ravine, and the fourth connected by a natural mound with the surrounding mountains. It is 850ft. above the river, and 2162ft. above the sea. It is surrounded by a wall constructed by the Arabs out of Roman sculptured stones, and a fine old Roman bridge spans the ravine on one side. The streets are narrow and dirty, and the houses mean. Included in the citadel is an old Byzantine church.

Constantine was in ancient times one of the most important towns in Numidia. It was the Carta of the Carthagenians, the Cirta of the Romans, and was long a royal residence. It was destroyed in A.D. 311 in the wars of Maxentius against Alexander, but was rebuilt by Constantine the Great, from whom it derives its present name. It has large manufactories of woollen cloth, saddlery, and other articles of leather. It is supplied with water by an aqueduct 60 kilos. in length.

ROUTE 229.

ALGIERS TO ORAN.

Railway, distance 261 miles. Fares, 1st class, 60 francs; 2d class, 36 francs; time, 16 hours, The railway carriages are on the American plan, and are very comfortable.

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HE more important stations on the route are, BLIDAH, 31 miles, beautifully situated on the borders of the fine plain of Metidjah. It is surrounded by gardens and is a prosperous and rapidly growing place. Population 10,000. Affreville, 74 miles. Orleansville, 129 miles (Hotel: de France), a town built by the French, with large barracks and military hospital. St Denis-du-Sig, 230 miles, a town with attractive streets and squares and a fine church. ORAN, 261 miles. Hotels: de la Paix, Place Kleber, de l'Univers. Population, 42,000.

This is a thriving sea-port, capital of the province of the same name. It is the seat of government of the province. It has a college

primary and native schools, Protestant and other churches, mosques and synagogues, enormous military barracks, and a military hospital with 1400 beds. It is surrounded by walls and strongly defended by forts. The streets and promenades are spacious, and the houses elegant and airy. The chief edifices are the Chateau Neuf, the residence of the general of division, the Hotel de la Préfecture, the Great Mosque, the

Catholic Church, and the barracks.

The town was built by the Moors. The Spaniards took it in 1509, the Turks in 1708, and the Spaniards again in 1732. In 1791 it was destroyed by an earthquake. It was taken by the French in 1831, and has since re

mained in their hands. It is well supplied with water. The environs are very pleasant.

Steamers of the Messageries Maritimes Co. leave Algiers for Marseilles every Tuesday at 5 p.m.,and steamers of the Valery Co. every Wednesday and Saturday at noon.