DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6095#0311
SICILY AND MALTA. 293
tresses would require a very numerous
garrison to defend them; particularly Mes-
sina, Syracuse, and Palermo: but indeed
the state of their fortifications, as well as
that of their artillery, is such, that (even
if they were inclined) they could make but
a small defence.
If this issand were in the hands of a
naval power, I think it is evident, that it
mud command the whole Levant trade;—
there are several little ports at each end of
it, besides the great ones of Trapani,
Syracuse, and Medina, which lie pretty
near the three angles of the triangle.
Whatever mips had passed either os these,
the others could be apprized of in the
space of half an hour, by means of signal
towers, which the Sicilians have erected
all around their issand to warn them against
sudden invalions from the Barbary side.
Thcsc towers are built on every little pro-
montory, within sight of each other, tires
U 3 ar«
tresses would require a very numerous
garrison to defend them; particularly Mes-
sina, Syracuse, and Palermo: but indeed
the state of their fortifications, as well as
that of their artillery, is such, that (even
if they were inclined) they could make but
a small defence.
If this issand were in the hands of a
naval power, I think it is evident, that it
mud command the whole Levant trade;—
there are several little ports at each end of
it, besides the great ones of Trapani,
Syracuse, and Medina, which lie pretty
near the three angles of the triangle.
Whatever mips had passed either os these,
the others could be apprized of in the
space of half an hour, by means of signal
towers, which the Sicilians have erected
all around their issand to warn them against
sudden invalions from the Barbary side.
Thcsc towers are built on every little pro-
montory, within sight of each other, tires
U 3 ar«