Cephalonia

Cephalonia (anc. Cephallenia; Homeric Samē), the largest of the seven Ionian Islands (q.v.), lies opposite the entrance of the Gulf of Lepanto or Corinth. It is irregular in shape, with a maximum length of 30 miles, and an area of 302 sq. m.; pop. 80,178. The surface is mountainous, in one point attaining 5310 feet; the soil for the most part thin, and water scarce. The inhabitants, however, have planted vineyards wherever the grape will grow, and currants and olive-oil are also produced for export. The capital is Argostoli (q.v.).