Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 2.djvu/475

 imposing ruins of the buildings erected here by the Portuguese, who held this place for over two centuries and a half, down to the year 1770.

South-east of Mazagan two breaks in the coastline, between this town and Cape Cantin, give access to the Wulidiya lagoon, the ancient port of El-Ghaïb. According to Tissot, it would be easy to restore this harbour and make it the best on the coast. As in the time of Scylax, Cape Cantin, the Solis Mons of the ancients, is one of the

most venerated spots in the whole of Africa. Here are several zawyas and a whole population of theologians.

Safi, the Asfi of the natives, lying south of Cupe Cantin, although the nearest port to Marrakesh, is less frequented than Mogador, the surf being more dangerous at this point than elsewhere along the coast. Thanks to its Portuguese fortifications and citadel, with its pinnacles rising above the houses grouped on the slopes of an eminence, Saffi is the most picturesque place on the Atlantic seaboard. Its gardens are marvellously fertile, and the "House of the Seven Brethren," outside the town, is a holy place venerated by Moslem and Jew alike, and frequented by multitudes of invalids of all religions. Another place of pilgrimage is Lalla