Page:Geographical description of Algiers and Tunis.pdf/2

 A GEOGRAPHICAL, &c.

LGIERS, a strong city, capital of the whole country of Algiers. It is built on the side of a mountain next the harbour; and the houses appearing one above another, of a resplendent whiteness, make a fine appearance from the sea. The tops of the houses are flat, covered with earth, and form a sort of gardens. The streets are narrow, and serve to keep off the extreme heat of the sun There are five gates, but no public places or squares of considerable extent. The larger mosques are seven, but there is nothing remarkable in their architecture; and the dey's palace is far from being spacious and extensive. The harbour is small, shallow, and insecure, and its entrance is incommoded with numerous rocks. The mole of the harbour is 500 paces in length, extending from the continent to a small island, where there is a castle and a large battery. The number of inhabitants is said to be 80,000 in which are included several thousand Jewish families. Their chief subsistence is derived from their piracies, for they make prizes of all Christian ships that are not at peace with them. The country about Algiers is adorned with gardens and fine villas, watered by fountains and rivulets; and thither the inhabitants resort in the hot season. Algiers has for ages braved the resentment of the most powerful states in Christendom. Emperor Charles V. lost a fine fleet and army in an expedition against it in 1541. The English burnt their vessels in the harbour in 1635 and 1670. It was bombarded by the French in 1688. In 1775, the Spaniards made a descent near the city with a formidable army, but were defeated with great slaughter. In 1784, they sent a powerful fleet to attack the forts that defend the harbour; but they were repelled by the Algerines, although they made eight successive attacks with great bravery. Algiers is 380 m of Tunis. Lon. 3 48 . lat. 36 40.

Algiers, a country of Barbarity, comprehending a great part of the ancient Mauritania. It is 600 m