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Military defences aud political remarks. Pp. 26G—268. Lamica. A small caseina ted battery, level with the water, defends the approach to the beach of La Scala. Of the other parts of the island that are fortified, 1 am not able to speak. Famagusta is celebrated for the siege it stood against tho Turks, and for the barbarous treatment its governor endured from them after its surrender. It is still called a fortified town. Nicosia the capital is walled round, bnt neither would stand a regular siege. Before I conclude this chapter I shall add a few words on the political state of the possessions of the Turks in this quarter of the world. Could the interests of Great Britain be ensured, the delivery of Syria and Cyprus from the Turkish rulers by any European power would be an advantage to the world: that power is now looked for in the shape of Russia. Prophecy, still existing in the east in full force, bids the Mahometan beware of Russia, who is to swallow up all that the Turkish government possesses, and to plant its colonies in Syria. The jealousies and fears of all the chiefs in that country are directed against Russia; and they appeared to dread the overthrew of the French ruler, whose power prevented her from turning her arms against the Turks. Lord Bacon, in his Essay on Prophecies, says, "the spreading or publishing of them is in no sort to be despised, for they have done much mischief." When he wrote the state of Europe was not so enlightened as it now is: he considered it involved in ignorance, and subject to enthusiasm. En that condition Syria remains. If tho Emir of Mount Libanon be not first induced to become a tributary to Russia, it might be possible to assist him in such a manner as to induce all the Christians to flock to his standard ; and by enabling him to become a powerful and independent prince the Turkish power might be greatly reduced in that quarter. Of the consequences I cannot presume to judge The possession of Cyprus might easily be acquired by any government having a navy. If it were wrested from the Turks, with a certainty of not being given up at a peace, it would soon become a flourishing country : the population would be increased by swarms of Greek emigrants freni Asia Minor, who would gladly fly to an asylum from the tyranny of their oppressors ; and if their industry were encouraged, would soon fertilize the barren waste overrunning one half the island. The unwholesomeness of the air may be remedied by draining the marshes that cause it. In the time of the Venetians this was done, and the malaria was not felt. Circumstances may hereafter oblige Great Britain to strengthen herself in the Mediterranean; and for the richness of soil and general advantages to be derived from it, Cyprus may be considered more valuable to her than either Syria or Egypt. LIGHT. 423

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