The Entrance To This
Snug Little Port Is About Forty Yards In Width, And The Depth Is Most
Irregular, Varying From Dry Silt Close To The South End Of The Reefs Up
To Twelve Feet Beneath The Walls Of The Fortress.
There were many small
coasting-vessels and caiques which trade between the various ports of
Syria and Asia Minor,
All having sought shelter from the bad weather
within the port; and the picture presented during the strong gale was
thoroughly illustrative of the natural advantages and the future
requirements of the harbour. The long line of reefs which form the outer
protection would, were they exposed in their whole length, represent an
irregular incline from about twelve feet above the sea level at the
southern end to three fathoms below water at the northern extremity. A
wedge laid with its broad base to the south would represent the
inclination of this long line of useful reef, which can be converted
into a sea-wall by simply filling-in with blocks of concrete to a
sufficient height above the extreme water-mark. The ancient jetty which
connects the small islands that form the northern head of the reef is in
itself an example of the necessity of such an extension throughout the
line. A natural headland terminating in disconnected rocks upon the
north boundary of the reef about half a mile above the fortress is a
secure protection from the sea, but it admits the silt. This has
completely filled in a considerable portion of the original harbour, and
were this sea-communication destroyed by connecting the various reefs
with the main headland, the evil would be at once prevented, and the
inclosed area might be cleansed by dredging.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 177 of 524
Words from 48144 to 48432
of 143016
