This city stands upon hundreds of small islands, connecting by stone-banked canals. The landward side of the city is marshy and unpleasant, but Miragliano itself is airy and clean. Water is the problem - the surrounding sea is obviously undrinkable, while the streams and small rivers that permeate the marshes to the north lie several miles distant. The residents buy what they need from the local water sellers, who ply the canals in their small barges.