subject, he
makes him a present of one of the cast-off wives. To refuse the
gift would be to invite death. The harem is continually recruited
by the gifts of those who wish to carry favor with the Sultan,
and these comprise slaves of every nationality.]

[Illustration: ACROPOLIS, ATHENS.--The natural centre of all the
settlements in the Attic plain within the historical period was
the Acropolis, a rocky plateau of crystalline limestone, rising
precipitously to a height of two hundred feet. The semi-mythical
Pelasgi, of whom but a few isolated traces have been found in Attica,
are said to have leveled the top, increased the natural steepness
of the rock on three sides, and fortified the only accessible part
by nine gates. It was the earliest seat of the Athenian kings,
who here sat in judgment and assembled their councils, as well as
of the chief sanctuaries of the State.]

[Illustration: PARTHENON, ATHENS, GREECE.--This structure is the
most perfect monument of ancient art, and even in ruins presents
an imposing and soul-stirring appearance, occupying the culminating
point of the Acropolis. It was erected by Pericles and opened for
public worship in 433 B.C. The crowning glory of the Parthenon
was its magnificent sculpture, ascribed to Phidias, registering
the highest level ever attained in plastic art. The Parthenon was
used as a Christian Church in the fifth century. In 1460 it became
the Turkish Mosque, and in 1670 the stately edifice was blown into
ruins.]

[Illustration: GRAND CATHEDRAL AND SQUARE, MILAN, ITALY.--This
is the focus of the commercial and public life of the city, and
is now enclosed by imposing edifices on every side. The celebrated
Cathedral, the eighth wonder of the world, is next to St. Peter's
in Rome, the largest church in Europe. It covers an area of fourteen
thousand square yards, and holds about forty thousand people. The
building is in cruciform shape, with double aisles and transept.
The interior is supported by fifty-two pillars, each twelve feet
in diameter. The floor consists of mosaic, in marble of different
colors.]

[Illustration: CORSO VENEZIA, MILAN, ITALY.--The principal shopping
street of the city, and the favorite promenade of the Milanese is
here represented. The buildings have a modern aspect, with little
balconies at almost every window, which are often adorned with
plants, flowers and creeping vines. The street, which is well paved,
is wide, extending almost from house