TO RHODES. 241 
marine pass is at present generally known m chap. 
these seas by the appellation of the Samian 
Boccaze. It presents a bold and fearfid strait, 
in the mouth of which is the small island of 
Fourni. A very heavy sea rolls continually 
through this channel, so that, with contrary 
wind, even a frigate can scarcely effect the 
passage. Whether it were owing to our having 
travelled so long in the level plains of Russia, or 
to the reality of the scene, we knew not, but 
Samos appeared to us, on its northern side, the 
most tremendous and precipitous mountain we 
had ever beheld. Its summit was concealed by 
a thick covering of clouds, although all the rest 
of the Archipelago appeared clear and serene. 
We were told that the heights of Samos a.re 
rarely unveiled; a circumstance which might 
give rise to those superstitious notions enter- 
tained in earlier ages, when its aerial solitudes 
were believed to be the abode of Deities, 
whence the Father of Gods and Men, enveloped 
in mysterious darkness, hurled his thunder on 
the passing mariner. The most enlightened 
seamen of the day, among whom might indeed 
be included the Master of our vesseP, maintain. 
(5) Captain Castle was reduced by misfortune to become the master 
of a small yacht. His abilities are well known to those of our 
countrymen who have visited the Levant. Arrowsmith has used his 
nautical observations in completing a Chart of the Archipelago. 
q 2 
