34 
SIRAF. 
are seen at a considerable distance from the shore. The coast is lined 
with coral rocks. This island is quite open to the attacks of the 
pirates; and our pilot informed us, that six years ago he touched here, 
and found it totally deserted, although he saw recent traces of inha¬ 
bitants, whose scattered furniture, poultry, and implements of agricul¬ 
ture were still remaining. The houses appeared to have been ran¬ 
sacked, and the cattle hamstrung. The inhabitants, who possess a few 
boats, on the first alarm immediately embark, and make to the oppo¬ 
site coast. 
As we sailed between Kenn and the main, we distinguished a large 
town, situated close to the water’s edge, which we took to be Siraf. 
The colour of its buildings and of the soil upon which it stood are so 
alike, that it was only by chance that we discovered it. From the size 
and style of the buildings which were distinguishable, it must have 
been a place of the consequence attached to it in the Persian annals. 
Until it was supplanted by Kais it was a flourishing commercial town, 
and much resorted to by foreign merchants, although its territory was 
very unproductive, and its climate extremely sultry. The most con¬ 
spicuous object that met our eye was an octagonal tower, surrounded by 
a high wall, which some took for a fortification, others for a mosque. 
On a hill commanding the town we discovered walls, and three round 
towers; and at some distance beyond, a mausoleum. We saw no mark 
of vegetation, except the date tree. Many boats were drawn up on 
the beach. The situation of this place corresponded to that of Siraf, 
in the map of Dr. Vincent’s Nearchus. 
Higher upon the coast, about fifteen miles, we distinguished the 
* The bearings from our anchorage at Kenn were as follow: — 
Extremes of the island, from S. 45° W, to N. 51° W. 
Cape Bustion, N. 891° E. 
Cape Certes, S. 82° E. 
Chanack Hill, N. 11° E. 
Our latitude at anchor was 26° 31' N., longitude by chronometers, 54° 1' 30" E., which 
by cross-bearings reduced to the true by allowing 7° 30' W. variation, made the S. E. point 
of the island of Kenn in latitude 26° 30' 18" N., and longitude 53° 59' 30" E. 
