375 
side of the channel, as also by two ancient castles in 
the middle of the bank on the right and left. The Tower 
of Leander, furnished with artillery, is upon an island 
in the middle; there are also several rustic works and 
batteries on both sides at the opening of the channel, 
into the Sea of Marmara. 
The port of Constantinople is the best in the world. 
It is formed by an arm of the sea which flows up into 
the land, between the city of Constantinople, and the 
suburbs of Galata, Pera, and others; it is entirely sur- 
rounded by hills, and consequently sheltered from the 
winds. It is so deep that three-decked ships can ap- 
proach close to the banks without touching the bottom. 
Upon the side of the port opposite to Constantinople, 
stands the arsenal, in which I counted fourteen or fifteen 
ships of war; some entirely equipped, and the others in 
a state of great forwardness. The whole of them were 
of an excellent construction, and in a sound state. I saw 
also several hulks and gun- boats. Some European ship- 
wrights were at work upon a frigate, which was then 
upon the stocks. 
The arsenal is large and well furnished with ma- 
terials. It contains an immense number of cannons, the 
greater part of which are brass; there is an excellent 
machine for masting ships, and a very fine building 
dock, the only defect of which is that it lets in water 
at the bottom. Here a seventy-four gun ship was re- 
fitting. On the side of this dock there are two hand- 
some machines to draw off the water. Near the arsenal 
is the house of the captain pacha or grand admiral of 
the Ottoman navy; it is situated at the water's edge, 
with a handsome landing-place. Behind it is the house 
belonging to the chief of the arsenal. There is a sepul- 
chral urn in front of it which serves for a fountain. 
