It Is A Small Basin, Defended To Seaward By A Mole Of Free-Stone,
Which Is Much Better Contrived Than Executed:
For the sea has
already made three breaches in it; and in all probability, in
another winter, the extremity of it will be carried quite away.
It would require the talents of a very skilful architect to lay
the foundation of a good mole, on an open beach like this;
exposed to the swell of the whole Mediterranean, without any
island or rock in the offing, to break the force of the waves.
Besides, the shore is bold, and the bottom foul. There are
seventeen feet of water in the basin, sufficient to float vessels
of one hundred and fifty ton; and this is chiefly supplied by a
small stream of very fine water; another great convenience for
shipping. On the side of the mole, there is a constant guard of
soldiers, and a battery of seven cannon, pointing to the sea. On
the other side, there is a curious manufacture for twisting or
reeling silk; a tavern, a coffee-house, and several other
buildings, for the convenience of the sea-faring people. Without
the harbour, is a lazarette, where persons coming from infected
places, are obliged to perform quarantine. The harbour has been
declared a free-port, and it is generally full of tartans,
polacres, and other small vessels, that come from Sardinia,
Ivica, Italy, and Spain, loaded with salt, wine, and other
commodities; but here is no trade of any great consequence.
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