Page:An Account of Corsica (1769).djvu/62

52 '. This, which was anciently called the Syracusian, has now the name of Porto Vecchio; of which it is proper to take particular notice.

Porto Vecchio is a spacious haven, capable of containing a very large fleet. It is five miles long, above a mile and a half broad, has a great depth of water, and a good bottom, and being landlocked on every side, is well sheltered from storms. I may add, that nature has placed a high and rocky mountain like a stately column to point it out at a great distance. In short, Porto Vecchio may vie with the most distinguished harbours in Europe.

The only objection to it, is the badnecs of its air, occasioned by the marshy grounds which lie in its neighbourhood. But this disadvantage may be remedied, as has been done at Leghorn.

"'The country about Leghorn was formerly a vile morass or rather quagmire, the noxious steams of which rendered the air unwholesome; but by the skill and pains of an Englishman, Sir Robert Dudley, son to Queen Elizabeth's potent favourite the Earl of Leicester, the soil was rendered habitable, the air much less unwholesome, and the port improved, so as to become the best in Italy .'"