Here the College had its farms, and very well cultivated these seemed to be.

This great cup, which could not be seen from below, we entered through a kind of natural gateway, that might be easily defended against a host.
There were other peculiarities, but it is not necessary to describe them further than to say that I think the soil benefited by the natural heat of the volcano, and that when this erupted, as happened occasionally, the lava streams always passed to the north and south of the cup of land.

Indeed, it was these lava streams that had built up the protecting cliffs.
Crossing the garden-like lands, we came to a small town beautifully built of lava rock.

Here dwelt the priests, except those who were on duty, no man of the Tribes or other stranger being allowed to set foot within the place.
Following the main street of this town, we arrived at the face of the precipice beyond, and found ourselves in front of a vast archway, closed with massive iron gates fantastically wrought.

Here, taking my horse with them, our escort left us alone with Oros.