And though philosophers of the time complained of the lack of opportunity for the development of women's talents, there were female poets, librarians and book copyists and other women were involved in teaching, law and medicine. Then, as now, the citizens of Cordoba loved music and song passionately. At times people reached a state called tarab, a state of physical pleasure attained through music. Outside Cordoba, the countryside was lush with Spain's traditional olives and wheat and also the sugarcane and oranges imported by the Muslims. It is now that the falcons of Valencia lay eggs on the islands of the river and incubate them for a month.
Sugarcane is planted.
The first roses and lilies appear. In kitchen gardens, the beans begin to shoot. Cucumbers are planted and cotton, saffron and aubergines sown . . . Locusts appear and must be destroyed. Mint and mar- joram are sown . . .