DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.5295#0242
208 TRAVELS IN EGYPT, NUBIA,
of stone, and extends in a straggling way along the shore.
A small river, called Damoor, flowing on the north, sup-
plies an aqueduct which irrigates the gardens in that direc-
tion, and furnishes the town itself with good water. The
gardens are extensive, and consist chiefly of orange and
other fruit-trees. The chain of Mount Libanon begins in the
rear of the town, and retires apparently at right angles with
the sea. Remains of the ancient harbour still exist to the
south ; and, according to the opinion of the French consul,
might be made capable of receiving large vessels. Coasting
vessels now anchor in tolerable safety behind a ridge of rocks,
cut perpendicularly away on the side nearest the town, about
six or seven hundred yards from it. The approach to this
ridge, which seems to run under water to the south of the
town, is dangerous.
I could not land till the loth, when I was detained by
the Beiram. The only consul was that of France. I claimed
his protection, and was hospitably and kindly received. I
made an excursion to the north of the town, approached the
hills, and was shown some remains of ancient tombs, but of
little or no interest. The peasantry were invariably civil. The
French alone had the privilege of keeping a consul at Seida.
By this the commerce in silk was entirely confined to the
French factory, at that time very inconsiderable, but capable
of much increase.
of stone, and extends in a straggling way along the shore.
A small river, called Damoor, flowing on the north, sup-
plies an aqueduct which irrigates the gardens in that direc-
tion, and furnishes the town itself with good water. The
gardens are extensive, and consist chiefly of orange and
other fruit-trees. The chain of Mount Libanon begins in the
rear of the town, and retires apparently at right angles with
the sea. Remains of the ancient harbour still exist to the
south ; and, according to the opinion of the French consul,
might be made capable of receiving large vessels. Coasting
vessels now anchor in tolerable safety behind a ridge of rocks,
cut perpendicularly away on the side nearest the town, about
six or seven hundred yards from it. The approach to this
ridge, which seems to run under water to the south of the
town, is dangerous.
I could not land till the loth, when I was detained by
the Beiram. The only consul was that of France. I claimed
his protection, and was hospitably and kindly received. I
made an excursion to the north of the town, approached the
hills, and was shown some remains of ancient tombs, but of
little or no interest. The peasantry were invariably civil. The
French alone had the privilege of keeping a consul at Seida.
By this the commerce in silk was entirely confined to the
French factory, at that time very inconsiderable, but capable
of much increase.