But when those had fallen and its hour of prosperity returned, that prosperity was accompanied by all the advantages of the present day.

Steam machinery had been invented and boats were easily able to overcome the obstacles of the Strait of Cadiz without being obliged to wait weeks until the violence of the current sent by the Atlantic should abate.

Industrialism was born and inland factories sent forward, over the recently-installed railroads, a downpour of products that the fleets were transporting to all the Mediterranean towns.
Finally, upon the opening of the Isthmus of Suez, the city unfolded in a prodigious way, becoming a world port, putting itself in touch with the entire earth, multiplying its harbors, which became gigantic marine sheepfolds where vessels of every flag were gathered together in herds.
The old port, boxed in the city, changed its aspect according to the time and state of the atmosphere.

On calm mornings it was a yellowish green and smelled slightly of stale water,--organic water, animal water.

The oyster stands established on its wharfs appeared sprinkled with this water impregnated by shell fish.
On the days of a strong wind the waters turned a terrible dark green, forming choppy and continuous waves with a light yellowish foam.