TRIPOLY TO BENGAZI. 211 of our old friends the jackalls and hyasnas, which prowled about our tents in other parts of the Syrtis ; and it seemed as if all the animated part of creation had agreed in the utter hopelessness of inhabiting it to any advantage *.

Sachrin may be said to be the bottom of the gulf, and it was here more particularly desirable to ascertain the exact form assumed by the coast in terminating this extensive bay. We proceeded therefore, early on the morning after our arrival here, to the high land which we have mentioned at J eria, for the purpose of comparing the actual form of the gulf at this point with that which is assigned to it by the geographers who have hitherto described it. A thick mist for some time concealed every part, but it cleared off before noon, and we had then an extensive view of the whole line of coast. We had the various charts before us, and the opportunity which now offered itself was as favourable as could possibly be wished. But hov different was the form which now presented itself to our observation, from that which appeared in the authorities which we were enabled to compare with it. Instead of the narrow and cuneiform inlet in * In this neighbourhood was the cave of the formidable Lamia, so much dreaded bj the children of the ancients. It is described by Diodorus as situated in a deep valley formed in the rocks which occur soon after Automala ; that is, in passing from east to west, for such was the course of the army of Ophelias, which is stated by the historian to have passed it in their route to join the forces of the tyrant Agathocles. The account which he gives of this afflicted royal lady , whose misfortunes at length rendered hei so savage and remorseless, is such as to render it probable (if the story may be relied upon) that she really at one time existed in this part of Africa. At least the mode in which the fabulous parts of her history are accounted for appears to be sufficiently rational, and the place of her residence is very decidedly pointed out. — (See Diod. lib. xx. p. 753—4.)

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