Unfortunately many a beauteous island which we next morning contemplated ruefully on the map was hidden from us by the shades of night.
May 19th.
Long before the sun was up, I had resumed my post on deck, to welcome Smyrna from afar.
A double chain of mountains, rising higher and higher, warned us of our approach to the rich commercial city.

At first we can only distinguish the ancient dilapidated castle on a rock, then the city itself, built at the foot of the rock, on the sea-shore; at the back the view is closed by the "Brother Mountains." The harbour is very spacious, but has rather the appearance of a wharf, with room for whole fleets to anchor.

Many ships were lying here, and there was evidently plenty of business going on.
The "Franks' town," which can be distinctly viewed from the steamer, extends along the harbour, and has a decidedly European air.
Herr von Cramer had been previously apprised of my arrival, and was obliging enough to come on board to fetch me.

We at once rode to Halizar, the summer residence of many of the citizens, where I was introduced to my host's family.
Halizar is distant about five English miles from Smyrna.

The road thither is beautiful beyond description, so that one has no time to think about the distance.