Chapter II. 



Mombasa is situated upon an island surrounded by a steep 

 coast of coral formation, and covered with palms. This island 

 lies in a bay forming two sheltered channels, of which the 



A SHED IX THE MARKET PLACE, KISUMU. 



easternmost, known as Port Mombasa, is narrow and difficult 

 of navio-ation, and suited only to the small craft which 

 trade along the coast, wliile the other, known as Port Kilindini, 

 is capacious and conv^enient, and here the English, French, 

 German, and Austrian liners ride at anchor. The Bimjevmeistei' 

 entered this ])()i't on the morning of 3rd May. 



Concessions made by the British authorities with regard to 

 customs and transport, and their coiu'teous assistance, together 

 with tliat of the few Italian residents, facilitated tlie landing of 

 the equipnicnt. 



Mombasa, hke th(> other cities of tl)is coast, Avas ft)unded 

 about the year lUUU by Arabs and Persians. CV)ins, inscriptions, 

 and architectural fragments record their occupation. 



