The whole surface resembled a golden-green ocean, upon which were sprinkled millions of different flowers.

Through the tall, slender stems of the grass peeped light-blue, dark-blue, and lilac star-thistles; the yellow broom thrust up its pyramidal head; the parasol-shaped white flower of the false flax shimmered on high.

A wheat-ear, brought God knows whence, was filling out to ripening.
Amongst the roots of this luxuriant vegetation ran partridges with outstretched necks.

The air was filled with the notes of a thousand different birds.

On high hovered the hawks, their wings outspread, and their eyes fixed intently on the grass.