'A second journey through Persia, Armenia, and Asia Minor, to Constantinople, between the years 1810 and 1816. With a journal of the voyage by the Brazils and Bombay to the Persian Gulf. Together with an account of the proceedings of His Majesty's embassy under Sir Gore Ouseley, Bart. K.L.S. With two maps, and engravings from the designs of the author.' [‎34] (67/516)

34 SIRAF.
are seen at a considerable distance from the shore. The coast is lined
with coral rocks. This island is quite open to the attacks of the
pirates; and our pilot informed us, that six years ago he touched here,
and found it totally deserted, although he saw recent traces ol inha
bitants, whose scattered furniture, poultry, and implements ot agricul
ture were still remaining. The houses appeared to have been ran
sacked, and the cattle hamstrung. The inhabitants, who possess a few
boats, on the first alarm immediately embark, and make to the oppo
site coast.*
As we sailed between Kenn and the main, we distinguished a large
town, situated close to the water s edge, which we took to be Siiaf.
The colour of its buildings and of the soil upon which it stood are so
alike, that it was only by chance that we discovered it. From the size
and style of the buildings which were distinguishable, it must have
been a place of the consequence attached to it in the Persian annals.
Until it was supplanted by Kais it was a flourishing commercial town,
and much resorted to by foreign merchants, although its territory was
very unproductive, and its climate extremely sultry. The most con
spicuous object that met our eye was an octagonal tower, surrounded by
a high wall, which some took for a fortification, others for a mosque.
On a hill commanding the town we discovered walls, and three round
towers; and at some distance beyond, a mausoleum. We saw no mark
of vegetation, except the date tree. Many boats were drawn up on
the beach. The situation of this place corresponded to that of Siraf,
in the map of Dr. Vincent's Nearchus.
Higher upon the coast, about fifteen miles, we distinguished the
* The bearings from our anchorage at Kenn were as follow: —
Extremes of the island, from S. 45° W. to N. 51° W.
Cape Bustion, N, 891° E.
Cape Certes, S. 82° E.
Chanack Hill, N. 11° E.
Qur latitude at anchor was 26° 31' N., longitude by chronometers, 54° 1' 30" E., which
by cross-bearings reduced to the true by allowing 7° 30' W. variation, made the S. E. point
of the island of Kenn in latitude 26° 30' 18" N., and longitude 53° 59' 30" E.