94 FROM CONSTANTINOPLE 
CHAP. Trojan Plain; and that, from whatsoever spot 
it was regarded, this cone, as a beacon, was 
the most conspicuous object in the view. 
After these few observations, concluding this 
short chapter, the Reader is perhaps better 
prepared for the inquiry which may now be 
introduced. Notwithstanding the numerous 
remarks which have appeared upon the subject, 
it is our wish to assure him, that our local 
knowledge of the country is still very imper- 
fect ; that the survey carried on by travellers 
has always, unfortunately, been confined to the 
western side of the river; that our researches 
will add but little to his stock of information ; 
but that, while much remains to be done, it is 
something for him to be informed, there still 
exists sufficient evidence of Homers frequent 
allusion to this particular territory, to remove, 
from the mind of any friend to truth, all doubt 
upon the subject. 
Koumkaii. j^^ landed at Koum-kale, literally signifying 
Sand-castle; and hired horses for our expedition. 
The neck of land on which this place has been 
built is usually considered of recent formation, 
and it is true that no soil has been yet accu- 
mulated. The castle stands, as its name im- 
pHes, upon a foundation of sand ; but it may 
