426 VOYAGE FROM INEADA, 
C xl P l an d both on the European and on the Asiatic 
’ > ' side; the houses upon the shore facing the 
Black Sea ; and an enlivening prospect of groves 
and gardens. Every preparation was made for 
terminating our perilous voyage ; the hold being 
opened to let out the anchor cables, and the 
crew expressing their transports by mirth and 
congratulations. 
Entrance 
to the 
Canal. 
As we entered the Straits, a miserable lantern, 
placed upon a tower on either side, exhibited 
all that was intended to serve as guidance for 
seamen during the night. Never were light- 
houses of more importance, or to which less 
attention has been paid. An officer of the customs 
put off from the shore in his boat; but con- 
tented himself with merely asking the name of 
the Captain, and did not come on board. After 
passing the light-houses, we saw some fortresses, 
the wo»ks of French engineers ; and their ap- 
pearance upon rugged rocks has a very striking 
effect 1 . Presently, such a succession of splendid 
objects was displayed, that, in all the remem- 
brance of his former travels, the author can 
recall nothing to which it may be compared. 
A rapid current, flowing at the rate of a league 
(l) That on the European side was the work of Baron de Tott. 
