an island in the Archipelago, anciently called Cythera; noted for being the birthplace of Helen and of Venus. It is now one of the seven isles constituting the Ionian republic. At present there is nothing very delightful in the place; for the country is mountainous, and the soil dry. It abounds in hares, quails, turtle, and excellent falcons. It is about 50 miles in circumference, and produces corn, wine, flax, oil, and cotton. The town of the same name is strong both by art and nature, being seated on a craggy rock. The inhabitants, who are Greek Christians, were about 10,000 in number in 1806.