Page 412 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

XIX.] SOUTHERN ARABIA. 385

splendour of its edifices, but also uniting
strength with ornament, to sustain the cha­

racter which it subsequently bore as the port
and bulwark of Arabia Felix.
Aden, situated on the north side of a lofty
promontory, is connected with the main by a
very narrow isthmus, about two hundred
yards in breadth. In an old map which I
possess, a causeway connects the two, and I 1
U
have little doubt that the former remained an 'i
island until a very late period.

The rocky islet of Si rah, marked in former
maps as a “ Fortified island,” is separated
from Aden by a shallow channel, about two
hundred yards in width, which is dry at low
II
water. The elevation of the highest point
was estimated at six hundred feet. Of the
wall and forts which formerly encompassed
the summit, a single tower at the verge of the
precipice now alone remains. In this the
officer who has the charge of the port dues
resides, and by his elevated situation is
quickly enabled to distinguish and bring-to
any boat that may attempt to evade them by
sailing.
Extending from this islet to seaward there

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