The properties were divided by hedges of agave--huge growths, grandly curving their sword-pointed leaves.

Its companion, the spiny cactus, writhed here and there among juniper bushes and tamarisks.

Along the wayside rose tall, dead thistles, white with age, their great cluster of seed-vessels showing how fine the flower had been.

Above our heads, peewits were wheeling and crying, and lizards swarmed on the hard, cracked ground.
We passed a few ploughmen, with white oxen yoked to labour.

Ploughing was a fit sight at Metapontum, famous of old for the richness of its soil; in token whereof the city dedicated at Delphi its famous Golden Sheaf.