But with the decline of Venice the trade of the port fell off; the mouth of the Lido entrance became gradually silted up owing to the joint action of the tide and the current, and for many years complete stagnation characterized the port.
In the course of centuries this mole has been silted up and is now an isthmus half a mile wide.
The half-mile of foreshore separating the port from the lagoon was in1904-1907pierced by a canal, but the canal silted up as soon as cut, and in 1908 the French decided to make Grand Bassam the chief port of the colony.
As a port Boston was of ancient importance, but in the 18th century the river had silted up so far as to exclude vessels exceeding about 50 tons.
Campeche has a small artificial harbour, which is so silted up that vessels drawing 9 ft.
