CYPRUS

third largest isl. in Mediterduels, ranean (35° N., 33’ E.); 60 m. W. of by Syria, 44 m. S. of Asia Minor; length, 140 m., including the Karpas Peninsula; oreadth, 30 to 60 m.; area, 3,584 sq. m. district In N. are two ranges of mts., and one in ill-defined, 3., with Mt. Troddos (6,406 ft.). In larger he center is a low-lying fertile plain. ancient Rivers are generally dry beds; torrents having ufter heavy rains (Nov.-May) and snow and nelting. Irrigation is effected by wells Berenice), und a canal. Climate is good, except in Arsinoé), 106 seasons, when fever is prevalent years’ n low-lying regions. The Cyprus B. C.; heep (mouffion) has become exceedngly scarce. Cyprus was famed of old Bengazi or copper (from which its name is Tripoli. lerived), but supplies seem exhausted. 250,000. jalt is mined and procured by eva prat i on. Most important products are sophical vheat, barley, locust beans, cotton, of ilk, flax, tobacco, wool, gypsum, fruits, quaint ance and large quantities of wine. mules are bred. Under Brit. administration the isl. has greatly immaterially and otherwise. The towns are Nicosia (cap.), railway from Famagusta to Evry- (76 m.). The inhabitants mostly to the Gr. Church, but there are in turn by Egyptians, A yrians, Greeks, and returned to Egypt B. C., when it became a Roman Then came Saracens and ByzanT a ken by Richard Coeur de Lion, the isl. was sold to Guy de Lusigacquired by the Venetians, 1479; by Turks, 1571; nominally a po e ion, although under Brit. administration from 1878 till Turkey World War; annexed by Britain, 5, 1914. The high commi ioner is by executive and_ legislative Cyprus is famed for its anti treasures, chiofly brought to since General di Cesnola began excavations, 1866. It was an important naval station during the World See Map Europe.