ZANTE (ancient Zacynth.us), one of the principal Ionian islands, about 9 m. from the w. coast of the Morea, and 8 s. of Cephalonia, is about 24 in. long, 12 broad, and has a superficies of 156 sq. miles. The greater part of the island consists of a plain, stretching from n. to. s., with a breadth of from 6 to 8 in., bounded on the w. by a line of hills. The vine is extensively cultivated on the and the wine produced is considered to be of a superior quality. Currants produced from a dwarf species of vine, originally brought from Corinth, are the staple product, 14.255,764 lbs. being exported in Pomegranates. olives, melons, peaches, and citrons also are grdwn. Zante is said to have been colonized by'Achicans from the Peloponnesus; and it is mentioned in Homer with the epithet " woody," which, however, is not apt at the present day, although it is justly called, in an Italian proverb, "the flower of the Levant." It is subject to frequent earthquakes, which, it would seem, are likely to recur about once in 20 years. The most notable mineral feature of Zante is its pitch-wells, described by Herodotus, which are situated about 12 m. s. of the town of Zante, in a marshy district. Pop. '71, 44,557.
ZANTE, the capital, is the largest town in the Ionian islands, and is situated at the head of a small bay or harbor on the e. coast, on the site of the ancient town. of which the only remains are it few columns and inscriptions. The houses stretch along the semi circular outline of the bay to the distance of a mile and a half, and extend up the slope of the castle hill. Most of the streets are narrow, but clean, and the older houses built in the picturesque Venetian style; the huge lattices of wooden frame-work, resembling those employed in eastern harems, with which the windows used to be fitted, are being rapidly abolished. The principal street is broad and handsome; the churches are numer ous, and the market-place spacious. The harbor of Zante has been greatly improved late years; it is now protected by a long mole, and has a light-house, but is still some-' what exposed and insecure. and extensive view is obtained from the citadel in the highest part of the town. 'Lame is the see of a Greek protopapas, and of a Roman Catholic bishop. Pop. 20,000.