THE ADRIATIC PROVINCES. 



49 



the friable nature of the rocks. The sinks have largely influenced the existing 

 configuration of the coast and of its fringe of islands. Amongst sinks which 

 have been converted into harbours, in consequence of the sea having obtained 

 access to them, may be mentioned those of Buccari and Porto Re, near Fiume. 

 Others, as that of Pago, are still separated from the sea by a narrow neck of land. 

 The coast, moreover, is slowly subsiding. In Istria the ruins of the ancient towns 

 of Sipar and of Medelino may still be distinguished a few yards below the level of 

 the sea. The island of Cissa, near Povigno, famous in the time of the Pomans 

 for its dyers, disappeared beneath the waves in the eighth century. The fresh- 



Fig. 30.— The Kekka. 

 Scale 1 : 160,000. 



SCALE 1. 160.000 



1 MILE 



2 Miles. 



water Lake of Yrana, near the Narenta, was invaded in 1630 by the sea. On the 

 other hand, there is not wanting evidence pointing to a local upheaval of the land. 

 The Narenta, for instance, cannot now be navigated as freely as during the reign 

 of the Venetians. This, however, may be due to alluvial deposits obstructing its 

 channel. 



One of the most remarkable estuaries of the Illyrian coast is that into which 



the Kerka discharges itself between Zara and Spalato. It is at one and the same 



time a river, a lake, and an inlet of the sea. The Kerka, above Scardona, forms a 



miniature Niagara. On leaving the narrow chasm scooped out by the waterfall, 



75 



