The history of Gibraltar was for many centuries one of sieges and captures. The rock was first known to the Greeks and Romans as one of the pillars of Hercules; the other, Mt. Abyla, stands on the African shore. But at that period, when ships rarely sailed out of the Mediterranean, the “pillar” was unimportant to any great nation in war. It fell into the hands of Phoenicians, Romans, Carthaginians and Visigoths at different periods in history. Tarik, landing there when he crossed from Africa into Spain, built a castle on the rock, which was therefore called Gebel-al-Tarik (Hill of Tarik), the original form of the name Gibraltar. It fell into the hands of England after the Spaniards and Moors had fought over it for centuries. Once again, in the great siege that began in 1779 and lasted more than three years, England came dangerously near losing the fortress. Spain and France took advantage of British losses in America to open fire on the Mediterranean stronghold. After the garrison of over 5,000 men had been reduced to starvation, and only the bravery of General Eliott could keep them together, Gibraltar was bombarded from the mainland. Just when his command seemed lost under the strain of attack and of hardships endured so long, the Scotsman led his troops to the attack, and, taking the much larger Spanish army by surprise, drove them back and burned their fortifications. Again Spain and France attacked from the sea; but Eliott burned their ships with redhot cannonballs. The struggle was renewed from time to time all during the siege, until at last peace was proclaimed. General Eliott, returning home, was received with the highest military honors for his courage. England has been offered all of Spain’s possessions in Africa in exchange for the one great sterile rock; yet nothing will induce her to give up that hold on the gate of the Mediterranean. PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, No. 31 COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC. Let Your Friends Share the Privilege of Membership in The Mentor Association The Course for One Year Provides: 1--A growing library of the world’s knowledge--twenty-four numbers a year. 2--A beautiful art collection for the home--one hundred and forty-four art prints in sepia gravure and color. 3--One hundred and forty-four crisp monographs--one to accompany each Mentor Gravure. 4--A reading course throughout the year. 5--An education for all the family, under the direction of the foremost educators in this country--in art, literature, science, history, nature, and travel. Send the names of three friends whom you wish to nominate for membership, and to whom you would like to have us send presentation copies of The Mentor. THE MENTOR The Mentor Service This service covers the needs of those who want to gain knowledge by an easy and agreeable method.