Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1847 edition. Excerpt: ...to the sea at Cape Phineka. Close above us on the left was the commencement of an extensive pine-forest encircling the summit of the mountain below the snow which still capped it. The name of the mountain, according to our guide, is Alajah-dagh. Before we commenced our descent on the east side, we passed another fortified eminence, and then a glorious view of Solyma and the Chelidonian promontory burst upon us through an opening. In the far distant horizon PHINEKA. 143 appeared as a background the snowy summits of the Pamphylian and Cilician Taurus--some of them not less than one hundred miles distant. It was a magnificent sight, the grander from the suddenness with which it came upon us amidst the dreary barrenness of the rocky pass, but it was a glimpse we had not long to enjoy, for we almost immediately plunged into a deep ravine leading down to the west corner of the bay of Phineka. Down the greater part of this defile we had to descend on foot on account of the slippery surfaces of the rocks obstructing the path. Near the bottom of the glen we passed three Hellenic towers, close to the roadside--ancient watch-towers or guard-houses, defending the entrance of the valley. We then came in sight of the modern fortress of Phineka, standing on the shore in the north west corner of the bay. Passing under the north wall, we turned from it sharply to the left as soon as we reached the plain, and then traversed a stone causeway at the foot of the mountain by the side of a dark and apparently deep stream, fringed by the yellow iris in full flower. About a mile further we came to the village of Phineka, reaching it shortly after sun144 PHINEKA. set. Here we took up our abode in what to us was now a novelty--a Greek wine shop, by no means so...
