the ancient Rhitymnia of Stephen the geographer, and called by Ptolemy Rhitymna, is a fine city, lying at one end of a rich and fertile plain, on the north coast of the island of Candia. It is but a small place, containing scarce 6000 inhabitants; but it is a bishop's see, and the harbour is defended by a citadel, where a bathhouse resides. It was taken by the Turks in 1647, and has been in their hands ever since. It is about 45 miles from Candia. E. Long. 24. 45. N. Lat. 35. 22.

The citadel, which stands on a rock jutting out into the sea, would be sufficient for the defence of the city, were it not situated at the foot of an high hill, from which it might be cannonaded with great advantage. The harbour is now almost filled with sand, and is no longer accessible to shipping; nor do the Turks in any measure oppose the ravages of time, but behold with a careless eye the most valuable works in a state of ruin. The French had formerly a vice-consul at Retimo, to which ships used to repair for cargoes of oil; but they have been long unable to get into the harbour: to repair which, however, and to revive the commerce of Retimo, would be a most useful attempt. The plains around the city abound in a variety of productions. Great quantities of oil, cotton, saffron, and wax, are produced here; and they would be produced in still greater quantities if the inhabitants could export their commodities. The gardens of Retimo bear the best fruits in the island; excellent pomegranates, almonds, pistachio nuts, and oranges. The apricot-tree, bearing the michmich, the juice of which is so delicious, and its flavour so exquisite, is found here. It is a kind of early peach, but smaller and more juicy than those of France.