Proceedings of the expedition to explore the northern coast of Africa, from Tripoly eastward : $b in MDCCCXXI. and MDCCCXXII., comprehending an account of the Greater Syrtis and Cyrenaica; and of the ancient cities composing the pentapolisBeechey, Frederick William
History
Proceedings of the expedition to explore the northern coast of Africa, from Tripoly eastward : $b in MDCCCXXI. and MDCCCXXII., comprehending an account of the Greater Syrtis and Cyrenaica; and of the ancient cities composing the pentapolis
Beechey, Frederick William
Sidra, Gulf of (Libya); Tripoli (Libya) -- Antiquities; Tripoli (Libya) -- Discovery and exploration
We will not pursue the question further; but will leave our readers
to judge how far Abrotonum may be placed at Tagiura under the
circumstances which we have already stated; merely adding, that the
fertile plains of Tagiura are admirably calculated for the position
of a town, and that many a pleasant day has been spent among their
villages and gardens by the European inhabitants of Tripoly, who
often make parties to visit them.
We may at the same time contrast the present quiet state of Tagiura
with that in which it was found by Consul Tully a short time before
the accession of Sidi Yusuf. It was then considered necessary,
in visiting this place, although during what were called tranquil
times, that the party of the Consul, amounting to upwards of forty,
should be increased by the addition of several of the Bashaw’s
Chaouses; and it was afterwards reported to His Highness, that he
had had, notwithstanding this prudent precaution, a very narrow
and fortunate escape.
We found the roads to, and through, Tagiura in most places inundated
by the heavy rains which had fallen before the commencement of our
journey; a circumstance which, if it did not expedite our travelling,
had certainly the good effect of rendering it more pleasant, by
cooling the atmosphere and preventing the sand from flying. This was
the more fortunate, as the gardens to the eastward of the town are
bounded by a dreary tract of sandy desert, which we were obliged to
cross. The approach to it was indicated by numerous hillocks of sand
accumulated about the date-trees on the outskirts of the villages,
leaving their heads exposed, at various heights above the sand,
while some of them scarcely appeared above the summit. Judging
from the present appearance of Tagiura, we should imagine that
many gardens, situated on its eastern limits, have been completely
overwhelmed by these heaps.
Any object which is stationary would arrest the progress of sand
borne towards it by the violence of the wind; and the low enclosures
of Arab gardens in exposed situations might in a few years disappear
altogether.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account