an island in the Ionian sea, at the mouth of the gulph of Venice, formerly called Corcyra and Phæcia, famous for the gardens of Alcinous. It be... longs at present to the Venetians; and forms the bulwark of Christendom against the Turks, who have often attempted to reduce it, but without success. It is well fortified, and has 50 castles; and the number of the inhabitants is said to be about 50,000. The inhabitants are of the Greek church; and the Venetians send them a governor and magistrates, which are changed every two years. The soil is very fruitful, and produces a great deal of wine, olives, and several other fruits, particularly figs, which are exceedingly good. The chief city is likewise called Corfu; see the following article.

city of the island of that name, belonging to the Venetians. It is a large place, strongly fortified and defended by a garrison of about 10,000 men; which, however, in the opinion of a late traveller, do not appear adequate to the extent of the fortifications. A number of very excellent brass and iron cannon are mounted on the different forts, which, he observes, are so divided, that it would take treble the number of their garrison to defend them. However, the republic of Venice is generally at peace with the different European nations, and the ancient power of the Turks being much decayed, they have little to apprehend; tho' to prevent any sudden surprize, the Venetians keep a formidable squadron in the harbour of Corfu, and the works have been much improved by Major General Pateron.—In the late war they had with the Turks, this town was attacked by an army of 80,000 men, and attempted to be stormed several times by the enemy; but the garrison, which consisted of 12,000 men under the command of Count Schulenburg, made so brave and gallant a defence, that they always repulsed them, and obliged them to raise the siege, and abandon the place with considerable loss. For this piece of service the republic has caused a magnificent statue to be erected in memory of the Count, with an elegant Latin inscription, setting forth the many eminent services of his military achievements. The circumference of the city is about four miles; the number of inhabitants on the whole island are computed at about 50,000, the greatest part of whom are Greeks.

This island is the residence of the governor-general, whose jurisdiction extends over all the islands subject to the republic of Venice, in the Levant seas, and is considered as one of the greatest honours they can confer on a subject. He is always a nobleman of the first rank, and has his appointment for three years only, in which time he makes a tolerable addition to his fortune, and on his return to Venice is generally advanced to the honours of the senate. In the city are many handsome Greek churches, the principal of which is that of St Speridione, or the cathedral: It is embellished with some excellent paintings, and most superbly ornamented. The body of the saint from whom it was named, is preserved entire in a rich shrine within the church. The Greeks are most of them such fanatics as to be continually offering their devotions at this shrine, believing that through the intercession of the saint they will obtain all their wants; and that by offerings of money their sins will be forgiven them; by which means the church has amassed an immense treasure. The relic of the saint is deposited in a silver coffin, richly decorated with precious stones. It is in an amazing state of preservation; he having died in the island of Cyprus upwards of 700 years ago; and after remaining 400 years there, was transported to this place. Besides the grand fleet, the Venetians have another of galleys, that are manned by convicts whose crimes are not of such a nature as to merit death. The chief diversions of this place in the winter are operas; they have always a company of comedians for the season from Naples. In the summer they pass their time in walking upon the ramparts: few except the governor and great officers of state are permitted to keep carriages. The Corfu people perfectly resemble the Zanteots in their manners (see Zante); though it must be observed in praise of the former, that all affections are uncommon among them, their laws being too severe to permit such practices with impunity. E. Long. 19. 48. N. Lat. 39. 59.