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154 CYHÎUS IN 1879. [CHAP From Cape Greco to Cape Elsea, south to north, i l about twenty-five miles; these points form the bay! nine miles in extreme width. Although open to the. east and south-east, Famagousta is the only realf harbour in Cyprus that can be available for largj vessels, and there can be no doubt that a moderate outlay would not only restore its ancier importance, but would make those additions of modem times that are required for a first-rate and impregnable coaling-station and arsenal. It was blowing a fresh gale from the south-eas when I was standing on the ramparts facing sea above the water-gate, and an admirable examplil was displayed in the wave-breaking power of the lon^ line of sunken reefs which form a continuation of those natural breakwaters above the surface that have formed the harbour. A tremendous surf exhibited a cream) streak along the margin of comparatively still watei within the reefs for about a mile parallel with the shore, comprising an area of about 700 yards' widtr. at the extremity of the sunken rocks, and 500 fror the existing breakwater exactly opposite the water gate. Within this secure haven several native vessel were snugly at anchor, but ships of war would hardl) venture among the varying shallows caused by centuries of silt ; such large vessels generally anchor in I seventeen fathoms about a mile from the shore, biJ they are completely exposed to wind from eas and south-east. The inner harbour is formed by artificial connection of raised heads of projecting ree< by stone jetties. At right angles with this complete defence of limestone rock is a wall or jetty from ti shore, which for a distance of 170 yards incloses Û basin of perfectly still water within. The entrance

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