CHAP. XXVI.

OF THE PENINSULA-CHISME-MOUNT CORYCUS-MOUNT MIMAS-END OF THE PENINSULA-AT SEGIGECK-ANTIQUITIES CRANES.

ERYTHRÆ was about midway in the periplus, or circumnavigation of the peninsula. It had to the north a village named Cybellia, and the cape, by which was a quarry dug for millstones. The lofty mountain to the south was called Corycus, and its promontory Argennum. This ran out toward Posidium, a promontory of Chios, from which it was separated by a strait, about sixty stadia, or seven miles and a half wide. In Corycus a cave was shewn, in which they said the sibyl Herophile was born. Its coast had several ports, and was much infested by pirates and robbers. After Corycus was Geræ, a small town of the Teians by the port north of their city. The third tribe of the Erythreans had its name from a region called Chalcitis, peopled with Chalcidensians; and the sea-baths by a cape of that district were esteemed superior to any in Ionia.

We had been told, that at Chisme, a town since noted for the destruction of the Turkish navy by the Russians, and distant about five hours from Erythræ, were spacious and handsome baths erected by the Genoese. We had intended seeing them, but were now informed that the place was almost abandoned, the plague having been carried thither from Scio.

Our guide, at setting out, conducted us to the shore; and, winding southward, we ascended a lofty ridge of mount Corycus, from which we had an ex

tensive view of the coast, of the channel of Scio, and of the gulf of Smyrna. The Brothers were before us, and behind us Chisme. The mountain

was covered with low shrubs. We then descended to the station of some goatherds, guarded by several large and fierce dogs. In three hours and a half we came unexpectedly to the village on mount Mimas f, where we lay the preceding night.

The valley beneath us, and the side of the mountain, were again enveloped in thick shining mist when we began our journey; and, keeping along the southern edge of a plain, reascended mount Mimas, which the ancients have described as woody, and abounding in wild beasts. The slopes here were clothed with pines and shrubs, and garnished with flowers, many of a bright yellow, resembling small single pinks. The hogsh had rooted up the green corn in several places. At noon we came to the bay, which we passed in going to Erythræ; and, striking off to the right, dismounted to dine under some shady trees by a copious fountain. We had suffered much from the sun, and were greatly fatigued.

After enjoying awhile the luxury of cool water and shade, we continued our journey, leaving Vourla and the villages on our left hand. As we crossed the mountain, the island Samos rose to view at a distance, and we opened the sea on the south side of the peninsula. We passed many small pleasant spots, well watered, and green with corn, or with myrtles and shrubs. We descended from mount Mi

f Query Coricus. R. h Wild boars. R.

g Coricus. R.

masi by a road cut in the rockk, which anciently divided the Erythrean territory from the Clazomenian. Here the peninsula ends. The way from hence, or from the beginning of the isthmus on the south, to Clazomene, was over mount Mimas1 to Chytrium, originally the site of that city, and now, it seems, of Vourla.

We rode on, and after three hours arrived at Segigeck, which was before us, by the head of a shining bay, land-locked, with an islet near the mouth. We were civilly received by a party of men and boys, who were gathered about the gate on our approach, and directed to the interior fortress, which was much out of repair. Here we were lodged in an apartment over the gateway, belonging to the aga or governor, who was absent on a visit of ceremony to a superior officer, attended by most of the garrison. Our horses, servants, and baggage, were disposed in the area or court below.

Segigeck is a large square ordinary fortress, erected, it is said, by the Genoese, on a flat; with a few brass cannon toward the sea. It was anciently called Geræ, was the port of the city Teos toward the north, and had been peopled with Chalcidensians, who arrived under Geres. It encloses some mean mud-built houses. In the wall next the water are several inscribed marbles, the colour a blue-gray, transported from Teos. Another is fixed in a fountain without the south gate. In the hot bath are two large fragments placed upside down, and serv

i Coricus. R.

k Impressed with the ruts of the ancient cars. R.

If Mimas extended thus far, Coricus vanished after two or three hours ride. R.

ing for seats, which I examined, but hastily, fearing some infection, as the plague was known to be near. All these have been published by the learned Chishull. By a mosque, and in the burying-grounds, are some scattered fragments, and a sepulchral inscription or two m. This place is reckoned eight hours from Smyrna. Ionian Antiquities.

A view of it is given in the

The cranes were now arrived at their respective quarters, and a couple had made their nest, which is bigger in circumference than a bushel, on a dome close by our chamber. This pair stood, side by side, with great gravity, shewing no concern at what was transacting beneath them, but at intervals twisting about their long necks, and clattering with their beaks turned behind them upon their backs, as it were in concert. This was continued the whole night. An owl, a bird also unmolested, was perched hard by, and as frequently hooted. The crane is tall, like a heron, but much larger; the body white, with black pinions, the neck and legs very long, the head small, and the bill thick. The Turks call it friend and brother, believing it has an affection for their nation, and will accompany them into the countries they shall conquer. In the course of our journey we saw one hopping on a wall with a single leg, the maimed stump wrapped in linen.

m Inscript. Ant. p. 6.

CHAP. XXVII.

SITUATION OF TEOS-REMAINS THE PORT, &c.—THE TEM

PLE OF BACCHUS-TEOS DESERTED—A VENETIAN VESSEL.

SEGIGECK stands on the north side of the isthmus of a small rough peninsula, which extends westward, and terminates in a sharp low point. This perhaps was the cape once called Macria, by which were the baths of the Teians, some on the shore in a cavity of the rock, or natural, and some made by art, and from ostentation. Teos was thirty stadia, or three miles and three quarters, from Geræ, and fronted the sea on the south side. It was equidistant from Erythræ and Chios, sixty-one miles and a half from each by the coast.

In the morning we crossed the isthmus to Teos, now called Bodrun. We found this city almost as desolate as Erythræ and Clazomene. The walls, of which traces are extant, were, as we guessed, about five miles in circuit; the masonry handsome. Without them, by the way, are vaults of sepulchres stripped of their marble, as it were forerunners of more indistinct ruin. Instead of the stately piles, which once impressed ideas of opulence and grandeur, we saw a marsh, a field of barley in ear, buffaloes ploughing heavily by defaced heaps and prostrate edifices, high trees supporting aged vines, and fences of stones and rubbish, with illegible inscriptions, and time-worn fragments. It was with difficulty we discovered the temple of Bacchus; but a theatre in the side of the hill is more conspicuous. The vault only, on which the seats ranged, remains, with two broken pedestals in the area. It fronted 15m. west

of south.