369 
the mountains, which we were obliged to ascend in 
order to arrive at Nicee. Notwithstanding the difficulty 
of the road, we travelled very quickly across rocks and 
ravines, and frequently upon the edge of frightful pre- 
cipices. The moon, which was happily near its meridian, 
lighted our way perfectly, and we arrived at Isnik or 
Nicee at sun-rise. 
This city, celebrated among the Christians on ac- 
count of the council which was held here in the year of 
Jesus Christ 324, is like Antioch, a small place en- 
closed in a vast compass of ancient walls with majestic 
gates. It is situated at the eastern extremity of a lake, 
and is surrounded by a great number of gardens. 
We continued our journey after having changed 
horses, and followed the border of the lake. The suite 
of Mehemed Ali's officer, united with mine, formed a 
cavalcade of thirty horses. 
The water of the lake is sweet and good; its banks 
are .formed of small gravel; in shape it is irregular, and 
extends considerably Trom east to west. I judged that 
it was from five to six leagues in length, and a league 
and a half in breadth. It is surrounded by mountains 
on all sides, with the exception. of a small plain to the 
north-east, over which we proceeded during an hour 
and a half. 
At eleven o'clock we took a N. and N.W. direction 
again, across mountains covered with brush- wood; from 
the summits of which we discovered the whole extent 
of the lake. We were admiring this fine view, when 
the heavens became all at once covered with clouds, 
and at the same instant heavy showers of rain fell upon 
us. We hastened immediately down a rapid descent of 
clayey soil which the rain made very slippery. My 
horse fell upon his chest y and rolled sideways over me, 
Vol. II. 3 A 
