THE CRETAN INSURRECTION Returned to Canea, I found that the Cretan assembly had begun its deliberations at Omalos.

The real agitation began (ten days after my arrival) on its coming down to Boutzounaria, a little village on the edge of the plain of Canea, where it could negotiate with the governor and communicate with the consuls.

There was a plateau from which the plain could be overlooked, so that no surprise was possible, and on which was the spring from which Canea got its water, an aqueduct from the pre-Roman times bringing it to the city.

It was cut by Metellus when he besieged Canea, and at all the crises of Cretan history had been contested by the two parties in its wars.

Long deliberation was required to formulate the petition to the Sultan, but it was finally completed, and a solemn deputation of gray-headed captains of villages brought to each of the consuls a copy, and consigned the original to the governor for transmission to Constantinople.