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Typical
farmhouse
on
the skyline
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.
Medieval
fortified farm
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.....
Rustic
farm gate
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.
Prickly
pear cactus
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12 
Chapter - 2 Minorca Discovered
13
The rural scene
The contrasts of colour and contour
in the rural scene are enhanced by the bold outlines and dazzling whiteness
of its farmhouses. The soil is a copper brown, and by moonlight the farmhouses
look as white as snow. Their position on elevated sites often indicates
their considerable age, and a preoccupation with the possibility of a raid
by pirates or Moors. Massive buttressed square towers which sometimes form
part of the farmhouses indicate a similar fear in medieval times. The approach
will be through a typical rustic wooden gate, along a rough road bordered
by high dry-stone walls often of massive stones, and the house will be
surrounded by a field of enormous prickly pears (Barbary fig) - believed
to have been imported from America, and used for cattle fodder. Its fields,
and even isolated stunted trees, will be surrounded by a network of similar
walls, often built of massive stones. Widespread wall-building in the southern
part of the island began in the early fourteenth century, and the walls
are known as tancas. As well as preventing erosion of soil and giving protection
from wind, they are helpful in retaining animals.
As one approaches a farm, lean dogs
bark a friendly welcome. The front of the farmhouse faces south, and most
of its shutters are kept permanently closed against sun and rain. It probably
has a wide, deep covered patio with arches, which runs the whole length
of the house. If large and old, the ground floor is given over to storage
rooms, outdoor oven, stables and byre, with the living rooms in the upper
floors. The intense whiteness may extend to the tiled roof. As contrast
there may be vivid splashes of colour from a variety of geraniums in gaily
painted pots. There will be no garden. In summer additional colour is provided
by the vivid yellow splash of marrows ripening in the sun. A television
mast completes the picture.
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