ARBA, or ARBE, the name of an island and city in the Adriatic sea, belonging to Austria, situated in the gulf of Carnero, on the coast of Dalmatia. The island, which is in a great degree uncultivated, is about 30 miles round ; and is liable, in spring and winter, to such furious and destructive storms, that, a few years ago, about 12,000 sheep perished in one night on the moun tains. The soil is extremely variable. It produces fir wood, of which great quantities are sent to Venice ; corn, oil, wine, and brandy. Hides, wool, sheep, hogs, and excellent horses, are its principal exports. The silkworms, which are kept in Arba, are fed upon the leaves of the black mulberry. Salt is manufactured in Arba ; and the tunny, mackerel, and sardine fisheries, form a considerable branch of their trade. The general appearance of the island is beautiful. The fruitful plains, interspersed with little hills on the eastern part of the island, and the cultivated plains at the promontory of Loparo, are the most beautiful parts of Arba. The
coast, which is opposite to the Dalmatian shore, is rug ged and inaccessible, and the channel is extremely dan gerous. The city is situated on an eminence, between two harbours, which form a peninsula. Springs of water abound in the island ; and were it not for the indolence and stupidity of the inhabitants, it would rapidly increase in wealth and population.
It appears, from the archives of the town, that gold and silk were common among the people in the 1 lth century. The island belonged to the kings of Hunga ry, and afterwards to Venice, but was ceded along with that republic to the Austrian government. The popula tion of the town is 1000, and that of the whole island 3000. East Long. 51'. North Lat. (j)