IN THE LAND OF CASTLES

France. On account of the large number of castles that this part of France contains it is often called l the Land of Castles.

This district of 2 gentle climate and of 2 fertile soil also deserves the name of Garden of France that the French poets have given to it. 3 On all sides one can see the peasants who are gathering the harvest in the fields. Although we are 4 novices, we are not too inexperienced to be able to realize its abundance.

Can you tell me why there are so many castles in this part of France, that is to say, why there are more here than in any other part of the country? I believe that it is on account of the fertility of the soil and 5 the charm of the landscape. There is no doubt that it is 6 these things that attracted so many kings and 5 princes to this favorite spot 7 during the Middle Ages. How can it be explained * otherwise ?

The invader, during the World War, it is true, did not tread under foot this section of France. However, you will convince yourself that it has been baptized many times in the past if you read your history of France. You will learn that from time to time the French kings and the English kings ravaged it when they were quarreling over it.

Naturally, history tells us that many deeds of prowess were performed l during those wars when the French were repelling the invader of that epoch. You probably remember the episode that won for Joan of Arc the nickname of Maid of Orleans. Everybody seems to recall the one in which 8 the name of this great French heroine is mentioned.1 She performed this exploit when the English were besieging the city of Orleans, and if I am not mistaken it was in 1428.

1 See Grammar Review, Section 46, c, note 3. Use on. 2 au. 3 lui. 4 See Grammar Review, Section 40, note 1. 5 Repeat de.

6 Use present subjunctive and redundant ne.

7 lieux favoris.

.8 See Grammar Review, Section 69, b, note 2.