360 
distance from it. Time has accumulated the sand in 
such a degree, that an isthmus is formed, upon which 
New Alexandria is built. On each side of the isthmus 
is a por;. Before the expedition of the French, the 
ships of Christians were permitted to go only into the 
eastern port, which is the worst; the western one being 
appropriated to the Turkish ships solely. They are 
now both open to all nations. 
The eastern port is very bad, on account of a bar si- 
tuated at its mouth, which leaves only a very narrow 
passage; it is very shallow, and its depth is continually 
diminishing, in consequence of the great quantity of 
ballast, which the ships throw overboard every day. It 
is entirely open to the north and north-west winds, 
which are violent, and cause many accidents in these 
passages. The western port has a very good bottom, 
and is perfectly sheltered. All ships of war, or of 
great burden, anchor in this port, which will ultimately 
be ruined as well as the eastern, and by the same cause. 
Upon the eastern extremity of the land which was 
formerly an island, is a fortress or tower of Arabian 
construction, which presents a good aspect. This 
building is situated upon a rock, almost insulated, be- 
ing joined to the main land by a narrow pathway, which 
is gradually decaying; and as the Turks never rebuild 
any thing, the tower will soon be cut off. They give 
the name of Faros to this tower, which is furnished 
with several pieces of artillery, and a Turkish garrison. 
The western extremity of this same peninsula is called 
Ras-et-tinn, or cape of Figtrees; on account of the 
great number of those trees which grew there formerly. 
