William Desborough Cooley
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 36
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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. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ... supplies from the river Webbe which flows behind the hills, nearly parallel to the sea shore and at no great distance from it. This bare and steep shore continues to the Govind or river of Jubah, a few miles S. of the equator. Then follows, 4thly, a line of coast somewhat resembling the preceding, but of more recent, or less advanced, formation. The hills or downs are less elevated and nearer to the sea, while a reef of coral with a chain of small islands, lies at a distance of two or three miles from the land, bounding a narrow channel, so shallow and beset with rocks, as to be in some places, hardly navigable even for boats. This coral chain extends about 150 miles, but with an interruption for some distance in the middle, where the growth of the coral has been checked by the fresh water of two or three streams from the mainland. Kuyu bay, where the coral reef terminates, is the first of several inlets imperfectly known, which appear to communicate with a large river in the back ground and in front of which lie the Islands of Pata, Lamu, Manda, &c. Here begins, 5thly, a new region with a new race of men: the fertility and populousness of Zingiber, here rise into view. A little farther S. towards Mombasa the coast becomes more elevated and varied in feature, and is at the same time covered with superb trees, scattered as in a park. This improved scenery might serve to mark a sixth region; but those already mentioned are plainly discernible in Ptolemy and the Periplus, and are clearly pointed out by the Arabs at the present day. The effectual comparison of our authors will be much facilitated by exhibiting their statements in detail side by side. Ptolemy. Days' Bail Elephas Mons Acannse, emporium Aromatum, empm-and promontory Here...