a compound rock, constituting the lowest of the geological formations, according to older geologists; but it has lately been found resting even on secondary formations in the Alps. It (essentially) consists of quartz, felspar, and mica. Its great durability as a material for building is attested by many of the ancient Egyptian monuments, in which the stone exhibits no appearance of decay even after a lapse of 3000 years. There are some granites, however, which shake and crumble down in a very few years, particularly those in which felspar predominates. This rock becomes refractory to work after it has been some time quarried; and it is usual to keep it for some time under water before it is wrought into ornamental objects. See Mineralogy and Geology.

GRANJA (la) de Torrehermosa, a royal town of Spain in the province of Estremadura. It is situated in a very beautiful plain, and its streets and houses are regularly and commodiously built. The vicinity abounds with excellent water, fruits, honey, and yields abundance of cereals. The town contains one large and two small squares, a parish church, a town-house, a prison, and a primary school. It has manufactures of woollen and linen cloth, and a considerable trade in cattle, wool, and corn. Pop. about 2000.