ARGUIN  , an

island, (identified by some writers with Hanno's Cerne), off the west coast of Africa, a little south of Cape Blanco, in 2o° 25' N., 16° 37' W . It is some 4 M. long by 21 broad, produces gum-arabic, and is the seat of a lucrative turtle-fishery . Off the island, which was discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century, are extensive and very dangerous reefs . Arguin was occupied in turn by Portuguese, Dutch, English and French; and to France it now belongs . The aridity of the soil and the bad anchorage prevent a permanent settlement . The fishery is mostly carried on by inhabitants of the Canary Isles . In July 1816 the French frigate " Medusa,'- which carried officers on their way to Senegal to take possession of that country for France, was wrecked off Arguin, 350 lives being lost .