The most detailed information which we possess is given by Diodorus Siculus, and it must be remembered that he had access to many sources of information relating to Carthaginian affairs which are. now lost, and as a Sicilian would have enjoyed particular advantages in this respect. The following passage is taken, from Booth's translation and forms the first part of the 2nd chapter of the 5th Book.
"Since we have gone through the islands lying eastward, on this side within the Pillars of Hercules, we shall now launch into the main ocean to those that lie beyond them; for over against Africa lies a very great island in the vast ocean, of many days sail from Libya, westward. The soil here is very fruitful, a great part whereof is mountainous but much likewise champaign, which is the most sweet and pleasant part of all the rest, for it is watered with several navigable rivers, beautified with many gardens of pleasure, planted with divers sorts of trees, and abundance of orchards, interlaced with currents of sweet water. The towns are adorned with stately buildings, and banquetting houses up and down, pleasantly situated in their gardens and orchards. And here they recreate themselves in summer time, as in places accommodated for pleasure and delight. The mountainous part of the country is clothed with many large woods, and all manner of fruit-trees; and for the greater delight and diversion of people in these mountains, they ever and anon open themselves into pleasant vales, watered with fountains and refreshing springs. And indeed the whole Island abounds with springs of sweet water; whence the inhabitants not only reap pleasure and delight, but improve in wealth and strength of body. There you may have game enough in hunting all sorts of wild beasts of which there is such plenty, that in their feasts there is nothing wanting as to pomp or delight. The adjoining sea furnishes them plentifully with fish for the ocean there naturally abounds with all sorts. The air and climate in this island is very mild and healthful, so that the trees bear fruit (and other things that are produced there, are fresh and beautiful) most part of the year, so that this island for the excellency of it in all respects seems rather to be the residence of some of the gods, than of men; anciently by reason of its remote situation, it was altogether unknown, but afterwards discovered upon this occasion."
"The Phœnicians in ancient times undertook frequent voyages by sea in way of traffic as merchants, so that they planted many colonies both in Africa and in the Western parts of Europe. These merchants succeeding in their undertaking, and thereupon growing very rich, passed at length beyond
