Page:An Account of Corsica (1769).djvu/67

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OF CORSICA.
57

well inhabited, and strongly fortified; and from thence is continued to the plain of Ajaccio.

Ajaccio is the prettiest town in Corsica. It hath many very handsome streets, and beautiful walks; a citadel, and a palace for the Genoese governour. The inhabitants of this town are the genteelest people in the island, having had a good deal of intercourse with the French. In Ajaccio are the remains of a colony of Greeks settled in Corsica, of which colony a particular account shall be given in the next chapter.

From the plain of Ajaccio, after passing some more ridges, you advance along the west shore to the provinces of Balagna and Nebbio, which are very rich, and afford an agreeable prospect, particularly Balagna, which may be called the garden of Corsica, being highly favoured by nature, and having also had in a superiour degree the advantages of cultivation.

You next arrive at San Fiorenzo, which is but an inconsiderable place, and of no great strength. About a quarter of a mile to the southward of the town, are some low marshy grounds, which make San Fiorenzo so sickly, that few people choose to inhabit it, and the garrison there must be changed every month.