ΚΑΙ ΤΟΙϹ ΤΕΚΝΟΙϹ ΑΥΤΗϹ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΙϹ ΕΚΓΟΝΟΙϹ
ΑΥΤΩΝ. ΧΑΙΡΕ
ΚΑΙ ϹΥ.
What he has said in relation to the present Smyrna, is as follows.
Smyrna is situated in the latitude of 38gr. 40m. in a deep bay, that enters within the continent about ten leagues; and is so well defended by the Erythraean promontory, now cape Kara Bornu, and mount Corycus, with the hills commonly called Cordilieu, and its own windings, that it is every where a port, affording good depths and secure anchorage. Immediately within the bay are seven islands, lying in length towards the port of Vourlá, antiently Clazomenae, which of old were called the Peristerides; and the biggest of them, Megale, is now by the English named Long Island, over against Fochia Vecchia, or Phocaea. Cape Kara Bornu, or Black Nose (antiently the ἄκρα μέλαινα) afforded, as Strabo says, excellent mill stones; which is not unknown to the present inhabitants, and therefore we there see several mills now employed. Within two leagues and a half of the city the Hermus enters the bay, and there forms a bed of sand; which being met by a point of land from the opposite shore stops up the haven by a very narrow chanel, thus rendring it κλειστὸς, as Strabo then expressed it. On the said point stands a new and strong fort, called Sangiac Castle; because the Grand Signior’s colours are there exposed, on occasions that require it. From hence we sail towards Smyrna, in a fair and long arm of the sea, which imitates the pleasures of a canal; whilst the woody mountains on each side, with the city at one end, and the castle at the other, conspire to give a mutual beauty to one another.
Had our author lived to finish his elaborate account of Smyrna, from the large materials he had collected for that design, it would doubtless have been a very useful work, and thrown much light upon many passages in ancient writers. And indeed every part of his Travels must certainly have received great advantage and improvements from his review. Tho I question not, but in their present state they will meet with such a reception from the public, as will reward the labours of the learned Father, by a proper incouragement given to his industrious Son.
I shall only add, that some intimation having been given of a Map, designed to be published with this book that was judged afterwards not so necessary, as at first was apprehended; since there are so many maps already extant of those countries, which make the subject of these Travels. And therefore as the principal use of such a map would have been to exhibit both the ancient and modern names of several places, which are mentioned by our author; an Index was thought more commodious for that purpose. Besides, as he has occasionally introduced many Turkish and other foreign words, without explaining them; this affords likewise an opportunity for their explication. As the benefit of the reader has been consulted in this alteration; so it is not to be doubted, but he will find the advantage of it in perusing the work.
August 12, 1747.