Chapter II. 



Mombasa is situated upon an island surnnuided by a steep 

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

 lies in a bav forming- two sheltered channels, of which the 



A SHED IN THE MAr>KET PLACE, KISL'MU. 



easternmost, known as Port Mombasa, is narrow and difficult 

 of navigation, and suited onlv to the small craft which 

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

 is capacious and convenient, and here the English, French, 

 German, and Austrian liners ride at anchor. The Biiiycrmeister 

 entered tliis port on the morning of 3rd May. 



Concessions made by the British authorities with regard to 

 customs and transport, and their courteous assistance, togetlier 

 with that of the few Italian residents, facilitated the landing of 

 tlie etpiipment. 



Mombasa, like the other cities of this coast, was founded 

 about the year 1000 by Arabs and Persians. Coins, inscriptions, 

 and architectural fragments record their occupation. 



34 



