One hundred forty miles southwest of Vienna is the city of Gratz. It has a population of about 150,000, and is the most important city of the eastern Alps. It is built on both sides of the River Mur, a branch of the Drave. It is noted for its beautiful location, and its healthful climate. For these reasons it is a popular residence with retired Austrian officials. The industries of the city are devoted largely to making machinery, iron and steel ware, chemical goods, pottry, soap, and beer. The chief point of interest for the travelers is the hill which you see in the background. This hill is called the Schlossberg, which means castle mountain. The castle and the fortification were built in the 15th century by the rulers of the province. Here their armies started out against the Turks. Behind these walls thr Austrians fought against the French under one of Napol-

eon's general in 1809. By the terms of the treaty of peace in the same year, the fort was blown up. One the Schlossberg stands also an old clock tower. This is an old-fashioned, four-cornered structure resembling a high, peaked hat. Directly in front of you is the chief public square of the city. You will observe the way in which all the houses are built. Little dormer windows peep out from all sides of the roofs. The houses themselves are constructed of stone or brick. On the opposite side of the street is the flower market. Over each flower booth is spread a large, white umbrella. Gratz is the capital of the province of Styria, a duchy about the size of New Jersey. Its population, however, is only about 1/2 as great. Find Gratz on your map of Austria-Hungary.