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24 CYPRUS IN 1879· [CHAP. the marshy plain near Famagousta contains salt to a degree sufficient to destroy the young cereals, should rain not be abundant ; and during the drought of this year (1879), they were the first to perish, although in j a damp locality. Salt is a government monopoly in Cyprus, and is. one of the most important sources of revenue. In the reign of the Lusignan dynasty, and from a much earlier date, the produce of the salt lakes formed one of the chief articles of export, and arrangements were made for regulating the amount of water to ensure the requisite evaporation. A t the present time considerable uncertainty attends the collection of salt, as a violent rainfall floods the lakes and weakens the solution. There can be no doubt that a few years' experience and attention will enable the authorities to improve upon the present arrangement, and that not only will the annual supply be assured, but the foreign demand will be extended. W e passed the valley beyond the aqueduct and, ascending the steep incline upon the opposite side, followed the rutty native track parallel with the water course ; we halted for the first night opposite the village of Cheflik Pacha. This is an unhealthy place, as it lies in a valley where a mill is turned by a stream from the aqueduct and the surplus water forms a marsh after irrigating in a careless manner some fields and gardens. Lemon and orange-trees of the largest size were crowded with fruit, and exhibited in the midst of a treeless and desolate country the great necessity, Water, and the productive powers of the soil when regularly supplied. I was careful not to descend into the irrigated bottom, therefore we had halted on the highest point,

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