Page:The travels of Macarius, Patriarch of Antioch - Volume II.djvu/445



Ismaïl, soon after our departure, we came to extensive plains, all desolate (صاربوز) marshes; which, it is said, are impassable in summer, for the immense quantity of gnats and flies, and (اللصوص) pirates in boats, which infest them. It is a place evidently marked with the anger of God. We passed by a bank or mound for fish, (and in particular for the Morona or sturgeon,) which is called where they catch fish for Government, always on bail or contract. In two days we came to the celebrated fort Calki; which is a large and magnificent castle, of ancient standing and very strong defence, being of the most solid structure, and well furnished with guns. It is reported to have been built by the Genoese Franks, whom the Greeks called to their assistance, giving them this castle, with the Castle of Caffa; both of which forts remained in their hands for a length of time. Here inquiries are made, as to the ships, and their crews and cargoes. It is the extremity of the Dobroja Romelia, and the mouth of the channel of the Black Sea. Its inhabitants are in continual dread of the Cossacks of the Don, and their pirate vessels; by which, according to their own account, they have so frequently been plundered. All the villages in the neighbourhood are inhabited by Tartars; and there are said to be within the environs, fourteen for Rh