BONA, a fortified town and seaport of Algiers, in the province, and 85 miles N.E. of the town, of Constantine, is situated on an open bay at the mouth of the Seybouse in Lat. 36. 54. N. Long. 7. 47. E. The town is about two miles in circumference, and is surrounded by a high wall with square turrets and four gates. It has been much improved since it came into the possession of the French, by the formation of good streets and squares, and the erection of many handsome and commodious houses. It now has bazaars, markets, coffee-houses, reading-rooms, hospitals, two Roman Catholic chapels, synagogue, mosque, theatre, barracks, and several schools; and it is the seat of a tribunal of primary instance. It is the principal seat of the coral fishery, and has a considerable trade in corn, wool, hides, and wax; and manufactures of native garments, tapestry, saddles, &c. The town and harbour are defended by a citadel, Casbah, on a hill a little to the north of the town, and surrounded by thick walls, about a quarter of a mile in circuit.
Remains of the ancient Hippo-regius, celebrated as the see of St Augustine, are to be found about a mile to the
south of the town, and consist principally of large cisterns, and part of the Roman walls. The population of Bona in 1850 amounted to 8134, of whom 5250 were Europeans.