a sea-shore, or the country adjoining to the edge of the sea. Dr Campbell, in his political survey of Great Britain, considers an extensive sea-coast as of great advantage to any kingdom; and consequently that this island hath many conveniences resulting from the extent of its coasts, superior to other kingdoms which are much larger. The chief advantages arising from an extensive sea-coast are, that thus there is a convenient opportunity for exportation and importation to or from all parts of the kingdom. Thus, a number of cities are formed on the coasts; by this means the internal parts are improved, &c. The extent of the sea-coasts of Arabia, he looks upon as the genuine source of wealth and splendour to the ancient inhabitants of that peninsula; the same was the instrument of the greatness of ancient Egypt, of Phoenicia, &c. In short, according to him, no country or city can for any length of time be flourishing unless it hath a considerable connection with the sea.

"It is indeed true (says he) that the wisdom and industry of man, taking hold of some peculiar circumstances, may have rendered a few inland cities and countries very fair and flourishing. In ancient history we read of Palmyra, and the district round it, becoming a luxurious paradise in the midst of inhospitable deserts. But this was no more than temporary grandeur; and it has now lain for some ages in ruins. The city and principality of Kandahar was in like manner rendered rich and famous, in consequence of its being made the centre of the Indian commerce; but, long ago declining, its destruction has been completed, in our days, from that dreadful desolation which Thamas Kouli Khan spread through Persia and the Indies. Here, in Europe, many of the large cities in Germany, which for a time made a great figure from the freedom and industry of the inhabitants, and diffused ease, plenty, and prosperity, through the districts dependent on them, which of course rendered them populous, are now so much sunk, through inevitable accidents, as to be but shadows of what they were; and though they still continue to subsist, subsist only as the melancholy monuments of their own misfortunes. We may therefore, from hence, with great certainty, discern, that all the pains and labour that can be bestowed in supplying the defect of situation in this respect, proves, upon the whole, but a tedious, difficult, and precarious expedient. But, however, we must at the same time admit, that it is not barely Cape-Coast the possession even of an extended coast that can produce all these desirable effects. That coast must likewise be distinguished by other natural advantages; such as capes and promontories, favourably disposed to break the fury of the winds; deep bays, safe roads, and convenient harbours. For, without these, an extended coast is no more than a maritime barrier against the maritime force of other nations; as is the case in many parts of Europe: and is one of the principal reasons why Africa derives so little benefit from a situation which has so promising an appearance; there being many considerable tracts upon its coasts, equally void of havens and inhabitants, and which afford not the smallest encouragement to the attempting anything that might alter their present desolate condition. It is, however, a less inconvenience, and in some cases no inconvenience at all, if, in the compass of a very extended coast, there should be some parts difficult or dangerous of access, provided they are not altogether inaccessible.—The sea coast of Britain, from the figure, in some measure, of the island, but chiefly from the inlets of the sea, and the very irregular indented line which forms its shore, comprehends, allowing for those innumerable, at least 800 marine leagues: we may, from hence, therefore, with safety affirm, that in this respect it is superior to France, though that be a much larger country; and equal to Spain and Portugal in this circumstance, though Britain is not half the size of that noble peninsula, which is also singularly happy in this very particular."

Cape-Coast, the name of the chief British settlement on the coast of Guinea in Africa. The name is thought to be a corruption of Cabo Corfo, the ancient Portuguese appellation. This cape is formed by an angular point, washed on the south and east by the sea, on which stands the English fort. Here the Portuguese settled in 1610, and built the citadel of Cape Coast upon a large rock that projects into the sea. A few years afterwards they were dislodged by the Dutch, to whom this place is principally indebted for its strength. In 1664 it was demolished by Admiral Holmes, and in 1665 the famous Dutch Admiral De Ruyter was ordered by the States to revenge the insults of the English. With a squadron of 13 men of war, he attacked all the English settlements along the coast; ruined the factories; and took, burnt, and sunk all the shipping of the English Company: however, after all his efforts, he was baffled in his attempts on Cape Coast. By the treaty of Breda it was confirmed to the English, and the king granted a new charter in 1672; on which the Company applied all their attention to the fortifying and rendering it commodious.