CHAPTER XIV.

ASIA MINOR.

The Dardanelles.- Sestos.-Nagara, &c.—The Troad.— Mitylene.-Assos. -Smyrna. — Ephesus. — Island of

Scio.

SUPPOSING the traveller to be still at Constantinople, and desirous to extend his excursions into Asia Minor and Greece, both of which are included in the tour intended to be sketched out in these pages, he should proceed

I. FROM CONSTANTINOPLE TO SMYRNA.

Distance 310 miles.

The steam-boat leaves at five o'clock, P. M., and after passing the Isles of Princes, and losing sight of the Imperial city, an excellent dinner will be served up; and the waters here being as unruffled as a lake, except in boisterous weather, we need not say that the enjoyment of the repast will be much en

hanced. The Propontides or Sea of Marmora, calculated from the Isles of Princes to Gallipoli, is 150 miles in length, and in breadth about ninety. At five o'clock on the following morning, the vessel should be at the entrance of

THE DARDANELLES OR HELLESPONT,

which forms the communication between the Sea of Marmora and the Archipelago.*

The passage of this strait, which is about thirtythree miles long, and varying in breadth from half a mile to a mile and a half, is protected by a number of formidable batteries placed upon its banks, and mounting between 400 and 500 pieces of cannon. British valour, however, proved itself more than equal to their power, when, in 1807, Admiral Duckworth forced the passage; and although the fortifications have subsequently been strengthened, it may reasonably be presumed that English ingenuity has provided against any contingency that may be apprehended in the closing of the Dardanelles, by the invention of steam-boats.

The Hellespont is rendered famous by having been crossed by Alexander and Xerxes; by the story of the tragic loves of Leander and Hero; and

* Persons proceeding up the Dardanelles, might be put on shore at Mitylene, see the plains of Troy, and proceed overland to Broussa, from thence to Isnikmid, Scutari, and Constantinople.

by its association with the siege of Troy. The descent of this noble stream is, in fact, connected with the history of ages.

Gallipoli guards the entrance, and is interesting as having been the first place in Europe where the Turks acquired that dominion which so rapidly extended itself, and which became so disastrous in its consequences. It is seated upon a rock, that forms a Cape, at the extremity of which stands a light-house; and it is said to contain 24,000 inhabitants, famous for the manufacture of Turkey leather, which they have brought to the highest perfection by a process which they keep a profound secret. Gallipoli was formerly celebrated for its gardens, wines, and temples; and particularly for the singularity of its religion. Nearly opposite are two small villages given by Xerxes to Themistocles, the one for his retreat, and the other for his wine. About fifteen miles from hence is

Sestos, though it is thought that the place of that name, where Hero dwelt, and where Xerxes had his bridge of boats, was three miles lower down, where is the narrowest part of the channel, not exceeding seven furlongs in width; and where, on the Asiatic shore stands Abydos, the dwelling place of Leander, who having swam across the Hellespont, to visit Hero of Sestos, attempting to return by the same way, failed in his strength and was drowned. Hero, who was guiding her lover, by the light of a