PHINEKA. 



143 



appeared as a background the snowy summits of 

 the Pamphylian and Cilician Taurus — some of 

 them not less than one hundred miles dis- 

 tant. It was a magnificent sight, the grander 

 from the suddenness with which it came upon 

 us amidst the dreary barrenness of the rocky 

 pass, but it was a glimpse we had not long to 

 enjoy, for we almost immediately plunged into 

 a deep ravine leading down to the west corner 

 of the bay of Phineka. Down the greater part 

 of this defile we had to descend on foot on ac- 

 count of the slippery surfaces of the rocks ob- 

 structing the path. Near the bottom of the glen 

 we passed three Hellenic towers, close to the 

 roadside — ancient watch-towers or guard-houses, 

 defending the entrance of the valley. We 

 then came in sight of the modern fortress 

 of Phineka, standing on the shore in the 

 north west corner of the bay. Passing under 

 the north wall, we turned from it sharply to the 

 left as soon as we reached the plain, and then 

 traversed a stone causeway at the foot of the 

 mountain by the side of a dark and apparently 

 deep stream, fringed by the yellow iris in full 

 flower. About a mile further we came to the 

 village of Phineka, reaching it shortly after sun- 



