Chapter II. 
Mombasa is situated upon an island surrounded by a steep 
coast of coral formation, and covered with palms. This island 
lies in a bay forming two sheltered channels, of which the 
A SHED IN THE MARKET PLACE, KISUMU. 
easternmost, known as Port Mombasa, is narrow and difficult 
of navigation, and suited only to the small craft which 
trade along the coast, while the other, known as Port Kilindini, 
is capacious and convenient, and here the English, French, 
German, and Austrian liners ride at anchor. The Bur germeister 
entered this port on the morning of 3rd May. 
Concessions made by the British authorities with regard to 
customs and transport, and their courteous assistance, together 
with that of the few Italian residents, facilitated the landing of 
the equipment. 
Mombasa, like the other cities of this coast, was founded 
about the year 1000 by Arabs and Persians. Coins, inscriptions, 
and architectural fragments record their occupation. 
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