aroundworldortra00peebiala-1

est
THE CHRISTIANITY OP THE AGES. 361
Our entrance into the broad, beautiful bay was just
before sunset. The city lies at the very extremity, and
partly upon the hill-side to the right, as you approach the
shore. The site of ancient, historic Smyrna was on the
left, at the foot of the mountains, and some little distance
from the modern.
Earthquakes have effected serious changes
in much of the topography of this country. The Mediterranean
at this and other points is continually receding.
Excepting Constantinople, Smyrna is the most important
commercial city in the Turkish Empire. Though sending
large quantities of opium yearly to the United States, most
of its
export trade is carried on with Great Britain, consisting
of cotton, carpets, wool, fruits, and opium. This latter
article is raised extensively in the back country, and brought
in upon camels for exportation, after inspection. How, in
what way, is so much of it used in America ?
Passing the Greek church, a modern structure, the Armenian
houses, and a drove of burdened camels, to the suburbs
of the city, I commenced ascending the hill towards
the old castle, accompanied by a dragoman. It was nearly
noon when I reached the tomb of Polycarp, the ancient
Smyrnian bishop, the good Christian martyr, the acquaintance
and fervent admirer of the Apostle John.
This tomb,
held semi-sacred by both Mohammedans and Christians,
overlooks the one hundred and fifty thousand souls that
constitute the joresent city of Smyrna.
Every thing in this country— cloths, fruits, potatoes, vinegar,
firewood—is bought and sold by the pound. The figs
and grapes of Smyrna are famous for size, quality, and abundance.
It seemingly adds to the exquisite flavor of olives,
oranges, and figs, to pluck them fresh from the trees. Tliis
I was privileged to do in several fields and gardens in
'
Smyrna and the Grecian Isles. Doubtless the figs
never see America.
There are a number of prominent Spiritualists
in Smyrna.
Among the most active are C. Constant and M. E. H. Rossi.