SOIL AND MINERAL PRODUCTS.
A glance at the map shows us that the island of Cyprus is naturally
divisible into three regions, all widely differing from each other.
Along the entire length of its northern division there runs a long
range of low hills, close to the sea, varying in height from two to
three thousand feet, composed of Jura limestone, flanked on either side
by Vienna sandstone.
The western and southern portions, constituting at least half of the
island, are covered with mountains from two thousand to six thousand
feet high. These lofty ridges and projecting peaks, as well as the
whole northern half of the district, consist of greenstone, while
towards the south they are principally composed of marl and tertiary
limestone.
Between these two ranges of mountains there is an extensive plain
covered with rich alluvial soil, which in many places is from ten
to fifteen, or even twenty feet deep, through which run streams,
converging into two rivers, one of which takes its course to the
eastern, the other to the western, side of the island. Both of these
streams during the rainy season overflow their banks, inundating the
country far and wide, so that a man unprovided with a boat may be
detained for weeks together, unable to pass from one place to another.
When the water evaporates, or is drained off, it leaves a slimy deposit
which, in its properties and chemical composition, resembles in a
remarkable manner the sediment deposited from the inundations of the
Nile.
All round the island extends a narrow level beach, flanked by gently
rising hills, consisting of post tertiary strata mixed with gypsum,
lime, and marl. Here we find a most productive soil, watered by
innumerable streams and brooks, which pour down from the hills;
moreover, between the hills are many fruitful valleys and stretches of
fertile land, which would richly repay proper cultivation.
On account of its many capes the map of old Cyprus somewhat resembles
a horned head, and the very peculiar narrow peninsula, along which the
northern chain of mountains is continued may be compared to the tongue,
with which it seems to be licking the corner, between Syria and Asia
Minor.
The extensive plains have been celebrated from the remotest antiquity
for their gardens and cornfields. On the slopes, around the coast,
and in the deep valleys among the hills, may be found all the plants
and trees that are met with in Europe, Western Asia and Egypt; these
thrive prodigiously indeed.
In former years, the island was celebrated for its valuable copper
mines, hence is supposed to be derived its ancient name χυπρος, from
which we get Cyprus. The most important copper mines were formerly at
Tamassus, in the centre of the island; at Soli, on the north coast;
and Amathus and Cyricum on the south coast. Gold and silver were
occasionally found. Salt is still made in large quantities, and coal
is found occasionally. Volcanic eruptions, which were formerly not
infrequent, have not occurred for many years; the island is, however,
subject to earthquakes. Precious stones in great varieties, including
the diamond, emerald, jasper, opal, and agate, were formerly found
in this island. Yellow ochre and amber are also amongst the mineral
productions. Baffo produces a very superior kind of asbestos, which is
known as “stone-cotton” in Cyprus. It is quite white and as flexible as
silk. The ancients made it into cloth, which was incombustible. This
manufacture is still carried on in some parts of the island, where the
cloth is employed to make the sacramental robes of the priests.