The Express.
London, England, 1866-02-12 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE raIIIEBB.

Sra,—l have received a further report from
Captain Wilson in charge of the first exploring
party of this association, dated Banias (Cresarea
Philippi), Jan. 2.
The party left Damascus on the 28th December
and travelling by S'as's and Jeba reached Banias on
the 31st. They had very bad weather with sleet
and snow every day. The country between Jeba
and Kuneitemh was half under water.
Topography. The positions of Damascus, Kankab,
Jeba (not marked on the map), Banner, and the
junction of the Hasbany and Banias rivers have
been fixed astronomically and the calculations made
both for latitude and longitude. A reconnaissance
sketch of the route from Damascus to Bowies has
been made showing great discrepancies in the best
maps. A reconnaissance sketch was in progress of
the district round Banias to show the junction of
the three streams of the Jordan and the course of
the Wadys near the town. The snow is however
so thick and so low down as to prevent much being
done in the wadys themselves.
Archaeology. Plans have been made of the great
Mosque at Damascus, of Bab Shurky (the Roman
eastern gate) and of the mound at Tel Salhiyeh.
Excavations had been made in three places in
the mound, but with no decisive result—ex-
cept the discovery of one sculptured slab
of a quasi-Assyrian character. The mound
was originally formed of a compact mass
of sun-dried bricks, with terraces. It is now much
ruined, and the masonry has probably been used in
the buildings at foot of the mound. Mr. Consul
Rogers has undertaken to transport the slab to
Beyrout, and the further exploration of the Tell
will probably be carried out by him.
Photographs have been taken as follows :—Of
the Mmque at Damascus (8) which with those
taken by Mr. Bedford at the Prince of Wales' visit
will afford a very good illustration of this remark-
able edifice : of Bab Shurky : of the city wall op-
posite Tomb of St. George : of arch and pediment
ru Book Bazaar : of house in the city : of Banias
from Wely Khudr : of niches and grotto : of the
fountain head : of the castle from various points'
(5).
The geology of the country passed through had
been carefully observed and noted. It was intended
' to leave /Isaias on the aith January for Deir Mimes,
at the bend of the Litany, and thence to follow the
ridge to Kedes : proceeding from }leder, by Kefr
Binm, Meiron, and Baled, to Tell Hum and Khan
Minyeh on the Lake of Galilee. This would give
opportunity for surveying the ridge dividing the
Haabany and Litany and the district round Jebel
Jurmnk and Rated, whilst excavations plans and
photographs are being made among the ruins at
Tell Harm.
The health of the party was good.-1 SW, so.,
GEORGE GROVE, Hon. Sec.
Sedenham, S.E., Feb. 9.

Driana.
DRURY-LANK

The legitimate, or legitimate, drama of
the last century has evidently catered upon a new lame of
popularity. The St. James's ie thriving upon Sheridan's
School for Scandal. sad is preparing Goldsmith's Sic
Stoops to Ooaquer; and Drury-lane, which produced the
elder Ciolnum's comedy of the Jealous Wife on the Zing al
Smeary. revived Kotorbas play of the Stomper os Bator.
day night, with Kr. Phelps and Ilrs, Charles Young in the
two priesipal elmmeters. No play has probably lived
through more ridicule and sd•srus critioism than the
Ifineerer, or works mare powerfully upon the feelings of a
large nixed audience. Mr.. Merles Young plays Mn.
Helier with peat taste and feeling, and Yr. Phelps rems
meets the Stranger with dee solemoit7. The mural east
is effective, and the revival, which forme au excellent eon
trait to the lively sad Wheat Christmas pantomime, was
well motived by a very crowded house.