an island in the Persian gulf, which was once subject to the Dutch. It was visited by Mr Ives in 1758. He found the south part of the island well cultivated, with agreeable fields of corn, and producing plenty of succulent vegetables. In the middle are very high hills abounding with a variety of shells. Some fragments torn from their sides afforded an opportunity of observing an immense quantity of oysters, scallop, cockle, and other shells. The common tree here is the banian, but without those luxuriant shoots, which in some other places go downward and take root in the ground. The lavender cotton is also found here; and the island abounds with fowl of various kinds. Pearl oysters are also found, but at considerable depths.

This settlement was founded by Baron Kniphausen, who having left the Prussian service on some disgust, entered into that of France, afterwards went to the East Indies, and was appointed resident to the Dutch factory at Baffora. Here he became an object to the avarice and rapacity of the Turkish governors; who having got him accused of capital crimes, he was at last glad to compound with them for 50,000 rupes, the whole sum he was worth, besides giving directions how they might squeeze other 50,000 from his successor in office (who in truth wished him turned out) and the banian who did the business of the Dutch factory, and who had likewise been concerned in undertaking practices against him.

The new resident was overjoyed at his accession, but lost all patience when he found himself obliged to pay 30,000 rupes to the governor as a compliment on his entering into a post of such consequence. Nor had the banian much better reason to be satisfied, being obliged to pay down 20,000 rupes to make up the sum which was to satisfy the rapacity of the governor.

Baron Kniphausen sailed from Baffora the very day after he was set at liberty; but having landed on this island, he, in conjunction with an Arabian sheik, formed the plan of the settlement. He then carried a letter from the sheik to the governor and council of Batavia, in which the former proposed to give up the sovereignty of the island. Before setting out for this place, however, the baron took care to despatch a messenger across the desert to Constantinople, acquainting the Dutch ambassador with the treatment he had received, and requesting liberty of the grand vizier for the Dutch to settle at Kareck. The messenger returned with a favourable answer before the baron came back from Batavia. The governor of Baffora, then, having attempted in vain to persuade him to return to that place, wrote a letter of complaint to Batavia, accusing the baron in terms of the utmost exaggeration, but without any mention of the 100,000 rupees. The baron, however, having got intelligence of this proceeding, used such diligence that he got back to Batavia in the very ship which carried the letter. Being thus present on the spot to answer the charges brought against him, he acquitted himself so well that his scheme was instantly approved of, and he was sent back with two ships and 50 men to take possession of Kareck, whose inhabitants at that time amounted to no more than 100 poor fishermen.

Considerable difficulties now occurred in the establishment of the new colony; for he had but very few materials with him, and the government of Batavia was very slow in sending him the succours they had promised. He was therefore obliged to send for workmen from Persia and Arabia, with whose assistance he built a small compact fort, strong enough to defend itself against any of the country powers, and any ships usually failing to India, excepting those of our East India Company. Nor was he content with putting himself in a posture of defence, but even commenced hostilities against the Turks; and by detaining two vessels very richly laden, which happened to touch at the island, he at last obliged the governor of Baffora to pay back the 100,000 rupees he had extorted, 30,000 of which he restored to his successor in office at Baffora, and 20,000 to the banian. When Mr Ives visited him, he informs us, that surprising progress had been made during the little time the baron had held the sovereignty of the island, and that he intended to make it a strong and wealthy place; at the same time that he discovered his taste for literature by advancing a sum of money for books and instruments of various kinds, which were afterwards punctually sent. After that time, however, the baron quitted the service of the Dutch; and the island is again in possession of the sheik of Bundaric, to whom it formerly belonged. It is about five miles long and two in breadth; lying nearly in the middle of the Persian gulf, about seven leagues from each side, and about 30 leagues from the mouth of Baffora river, where all ships bound to that port must call for pilots.