Travels in Turkey, Asia Minor, Syria, and across the desert into Egypt ...

SYRIA, EGYPT, GERMANY, &C. 1 9
On foe following day we were becalmed on the coast of Sicily,
from which we were at so small a distance, that we had a distinct
view of Mount Etna and Strombolo, than which nothing could he
more awfully grand. The Lipari islands added to the efFect of
this fine scene.
We passed on the 13th through the straits 0$ Messina, and were
swept along by the rapid current without experiencing any unpleasant
sensation. On the contrary, as the day was very fine and
clear, we had a full view of the city of Messina, and the cheering
prospect of a beautiful and richly diversified coast, sometimes clouded
by the recollection of the dreadful earthquake which a few years
since spread desolation through this delightful countrv.
On the 14th, we were becalmed on the coast of Calabria. On
the 15th, we made some progress, notwithstanding the wind was
contrary. Owing to this circumstance, we did not oiscry the island
of Zante until the I 8th, when it was distant about seven or eight
leagues.
It was in
sight on the following day, the little wind that
there was still continuing
unfavourable.
Early in the morning of the 22d, we made Cerigo, which bore
from us E. N. E. distant about seven miles. On the 23d, we des-
cried Milo, whence, after several ineffectual attempts to procure a
pilot, we were driven by a strong north-east gale upon the Morca.
From that time until the 25th, we were in engaged working to
windward, to regain our station, which we at length effected, but
were driven back.
On the morning of the 27th, we were so fortunate as to pass
between the islands of Thermea and Ser/o, two of the Cijelades :
the wind blowing extremely hard from the N. E. our mainsail was
split. In the afternoon we were close in with Mycone, another
of the Cy eludes.
On the 28th, we passed the island of Niearia. It blew a fresh
gale, and we shipped a large quantity
of water. Our stock of
fresh provisions was by this time exhausted.
On the 29th, we passed near the island of Seio ; and on the 31st,
descried Mytelene.
On the evening of the 2d of June we were close in with the
island of Tenedos ; and, being becalmed on the fallowing day,,
were driven by the force of the current, which set in from the
mouth of the Dardanelles, too far to the westward to be enabled
to make the straits.
On the 4th, in the afternoon, we entered the Dardanelles; but,
the wind dying away, were under the necessity of coming to an