The western and southern portions, constituting at least half of the island, are covered with mountains from two thousand to six thousand feet high. These lofty ridges and projecting peaks, as well as the whole northern half of the district, consist of greenstone, while towards the south they are principally composed of marl and tertiary limestone.
Between these two ranges of mountains there is an extensive plain covered with rich alluvial soil, which in many places is from ten to fifteen, or even twenty feet deep, through which run streams, converging into two rivers, one of which takes its course to the eastern, the other to the western, side of the island. Both of these streams during the rainy season overflow their banks, inundating the country far and wide, so that a man unprovided with a boat may be detained for weeks together, unable to pass from one place to another. When the water evaporates, or is drained off, it leaves a slimy deposit which, in its properties and chemical composition, resembles in a remarkable manner the sediment deposited from the inundations of the Nile.
All round the island extends a narrow level beach, flanked by gently rising hills, consisting of post tertiary strata mixed with gypsum, lime, and marl. Here we find a most productive soil, watered by innumerable streams and brooks, which pour down from the hills; moreover, between the hills are many fruitful valleys and stretches of fertile land, which would richly repay proper cultivation.
On account of its many capes the map of old Cyprus somewhat resembles a horned head, and the very peculiar narrow peninsula, along which the northern chain of mountains is continued may be compared to the tongue, with which it seems to be licking the corner, between Syria and Asia Minor.
The extensive plains have been celebrated from the remotest antiquity for their gardens and cornfields. On the slopes, around the coast, and in the deep valleys among the hills, may be found all the plants and trees that are met with in Europe, Western Asia and Egypt; these thrive prodigiously indeed.
In former years, the island was celebrated for its valuable copper mines, hence is supposed to be derived its ancient name χυπρος, from which we get Cyprus. The most important copper mines were formerly at Tamassus, in the centre of the island; at Soli, on the north coast; and Amathus and Cyricum on the south coast. Gold and silver were occasionally found. Salt is still made in large quantities, and coal is found occasionally. Volcanic eruptions, which were formerly not infrequent, have not occurred for many years; the island is, however, subject to earthquakes. Precious stones in great varieties, including the diamond, emerald, jasper, opal, and agate, were formerly found in this island. Yellow ochre and amber are also amongst the mineral productions. Baffo produces a very superior kind of asbestos, which is known as “stone-cotton” in Cyprus. It is quite white and as flexible as silk. The ancients made it into cloth, which was incombustible. This manufacture is still carried on in some parts of the island, where the cloth is employed to make the sacramental robes of the priests.
CHAPTER XXV
NATURAL PRODUCTS.
We will now give our readers a general sketch of the rise and decline of Cyprian agriculture under different rulers.