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A handbook for travellers in Turkey; describing Constantinople, European Turkey, Asia Minor, Armenia, and Mesopotamia
A handbook for travellers in Turkey describing Constantinople European Turkey Asia Minor Armenia and Mesopotamia Author:John Murray This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 Excerpt: ...through a rugged and mountainous defile. The forests and views in this part of the passage are very grand. Before reaching Kinnin we cross... more » a rapid river. Kinnin, 7 hours. The last place in Wallachia. In a favourable season the journey from Salatroick may be accomplished in a much shorter time than is here stated. A torrent flowing through a chasm in the mountains,"and thence into the Aluta, is the boundary of Wallachia and Transylvania. After crossing this torrent, we climb a steep and difficult ascent, by a most dangerous road, consisting, in parts of it, of a mere shelf of planks, really hanging over a stupendous precipice, beneath which roll the rapid waters of the Aluta. This river is accurately described by Ptolemy, as dividing Dacia towards the N., and flowing impetuously: it has, moreover, preserved its ancient name unaltered. The scenery here is of the most striking description: the bold perpendicular rocks; the hanging forests; the appearance of the river, flowing in a deep chasm below the road; and the dangerous nature of the pass itself--all these contribute to heighten its sublimity. It is certainly one of the most remarkable passes in Europe, if not in the whole world. At 2 hours from Kinnin the traveller may halt for the night at the Lazzaretto, in the director's house. On arriving at the Austrian frontier, his passport and baggage will undergo the usual examination. Rothenlhurm, 2 hours. The road continues along the mountainous defile, and above the river, to the ruins of the " lied Toaer," from which the pass derives its name. The whole way from this place as far as Deva the mountains consist of Sienite por A?ter leaving Boitta the country becomes open, and the road winds down the mountains into the fertile territories of Tran...« less