106 
JOURNEY PROM 
map to which the Doctor has alluded*. The eastern extremity of the 
Gharian chain appears also to be carried too near to the Greater 
Syrtis, from no part of which (so far as our experience went) could 
any portion of this chain be perceived. 
We were unable to discover any remains of antiquity at Mesurata ; 
but its remarkable position between the fertile regions of the Ciny- 
phus, and the barren dreary wastes of the Greater Syrtis, cannot fail 
to make it an object of more than common interest to those who 
witness the singular contrast. 
From the high range of sand-hills, which we have mentioned above, 
between the town and the sea, an excellent idea may be formed of 
this striking pecuharity of situation ; and we often toiled up their 
steep and yielding sides to enjoy the singularity of the prospect. 
At the foot of these masses, to the southward, and to the west- 
ward, are the varied and cultivated lands of Mesurata f : there are 
seen endless groves of palm-trees and olives, among which are scat- 
tered numerous villages and gardens, rich tracts of corn land, flocks 
of sheep and goats, and everywhere a moving and busy population. 
* In illustration of these remarks, we need only refer our readers to the chart of the 
Expedition prefixed, which we may add has been carefully made ; but we must observe, 
in justice to the compilers of those excellent ma2:)s which are published in the name of 
Mr. Arrowsmith, that no blame can be reasonably attached to them, either for the 
extension or the omission alluded to. They could only avail themselves of the best 
authorities hitherto existing, and ought not to be made responsible for more than these 
actually contain. 
J The rocky land which we have mentioned, and the sea, form the boundaries of the 
sand-hills to the northward. 
