BALACLAVA, a seaport town of Tartary, for merly Symbolon and Cembalo, is situated on the south side of the Crimea. This town appears to have been founded by the Greeks, and afterwards re: peopled by the Genoese; but being deserted by them, and haVing fallen into ruins, has now reverted to its original inhabitants. The port, which is situated to the west of the town, is about a verst long, and two hundred toises broad, and is sufficiently deep to re.: ceive vessels of the largest size. Being' protected from every wind by high mountains, the water is al ways perfectly calm. The entrance to the south is so contracted by high rocks, that it is impossible for two vessels to pass together, without running foul of each other. Dangerous as this entrance appears, the harbour has been gladly made by vessels driven upon the peninsula, which could not double the point of Cher sonesus. The port, however, is shut against ships of all nations, from the fear of contraband trade, which, by less cruel means, it would be easy to prevent. r
The garrison is ordered to fire upon all vessels, even those belonging to the crown, which attempt to enter the harbour. These severe measures have con sequently occasioned a great number of shipwrecks. In the year 1602, no fewer than four ships, in great distress, begged in vain for shelter. They struck opposite the monastery of St George, and the crew and cargo of two of them were entirely lost. The old Genoese fortress is situated at the entrance of the port, upon a high mountain to the east, defended by lofty walls and towers. The town is well peopled, and its position in the centre of the peninsula makes it a place of considerable trade. The population, con sisting of Tartars, Greeks, Jews, Russians, and Ar menians, amounts to 3000. East Long. 31° 24•, North Lat. 14° 3S'. See Reuilly's Travels into the Crimea, and along the Shores of the Black Sca, in 1803, vi. )