Book 12
2.8
In the plain in front of the city, and about 40 stadia from it, is a river of the name of Melas,The Kara-su, the black river, a branch of the Kizil-Irmak. The modern name appears common to many rivers. whose source is in ground lower than the level of the city. It is useless to the inhabitants, because it does not flow from an elevated situation. It spreads abroad in marshes and lakes, and in the summertime corrupts the air round the city. A valuable stone quarry is rendered almost useless by it. For there are extensive beds of stone, from which the Mazaceni obtain an abundant supply of materials for building, but the slabs, being covered with water, are not easily detached by the workmen. These are the marshes which in every part are subject to take fire.
