HISTORY ETHNOGRAPHY NATURE WINE-MAKING SITE MAP
Selected and rare materials, excerpts and observations from ancient, medieval and contemporary authors, travelers and researchers about Cyprus.
 
 
 
 
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SIR SAMUEL WHITE BAKER
CYPRUS AS I SAW IT IN 1879
page 81

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was at 550, but the inhabitants were sitting at im various cafes in the open air smoking and drinkiiJ their steaming coffee as though in summer. From natural politeness they invariably rose as we passJ by, and at one place I was immediately furnished wr i a string that I might measure a large vine-stem which; during summer must afford a dense shade. I found the main stem of this unusual specimen was twenty! two inches in circumference. The only agreeable walk in Lefkosia is the circ™ of the ramparts, as the high elevation admits of fresi air and an extensive view. From this we lookel down upon numerous gardens well irrigated by tri surplus water of the aqueduct, and the remarkabl healthy orange and lemon trees were crowded wi l their loads of ripe fruit. There are many good ani roomy houses in the town, each furnished with 1 considerable garden, but as they are surrounded witM high walls, it is difficult to form an opinion of th e actual dimensions. The house occupied by the Chil Commissioner is large and well constructed, the staircase and landing airy and capacious, with an entrance-hall open at the extreme end and wel arranged for the burning climate during summer. All houses are paved with slabs of gypsum, which abound in many parts of the island, and are sold at a remarkably low price, as the blocks laminate, and are dividec into sheets of the required thickness with a minimum of labour. The Turkish Pacha (Rifat) still remained at Lefkosia, as he was responsible for the transfer oi various movable property to Constantinople. The interesting Venetian cannon of bronze that were utterly valueless as modern weapons had been

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