The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-12-08
Vol. vi.

DruSeS are Pagans, we were mucn cnarm
ed with their simplicity and kind DISPOSE
ton. The women are much less pretty
than the Christian women of Lebanon,but,
like them, wear thick veil suspended o.
yer silver-chased horn, some twenty
inches in length, which is secured by a
band to their forehead. He
Early the next morning we shook hands
with the Sheik, who was up to bid us fare
well, and continued on our way over a
broken country, until we came in view Of
the remarkably lovely plain of Banias.-
We passed huge old Roman castle, sit
iuated a little off the road, but did not visit
it, as we were told it was hold ofrobbers.
Descending to the plain, we pitched our
tent in the pretty village of Banias. under
clump of orange trees. The villagers
of all classes soon focked around us, So
Letting us to buy old Roman coins, which
are dug up in great abundance in This re-
gion. After dinner, we went to large silk
worm establishment in the neighborhood;
we were admitted with great reluctance,
since the worms were at their most deli
cate stage, and it was feared that the pres
ence of Franks would have upon them a
malign influence. Indulging the preju-
dices of the keepers we remained but a few
minutes, yet came away much pleased
with the order and neatness everywhere
exhibited. After sunset three wandering
gypsies, old and ugly, came to the tent,
and struck up kind of wild chaunt, ac-
companied with the beating of cymbals
and toln-toms. The people gathered a
round, among them the Sheik of the vii
lage, and seating themselves on the ground
in circle, kept time to the music by clap
ing their hands, as in Scripture days. Our
muleteer and cook stationed themselves in
the middle and stripped the light fantastic
toe" with extraordinary spirit and agility.
Fun and frolic was the order of the even
ing, 4
An hours ride the next morning carried
US to the source of the Jordon. The river
takes its rise from several large fountains
which gush up in the midst of tangled
thicket of ofbrambles, hollyhocks and honey.
suckles. 1t has nothing of the tiny be-
ginning Of other rivers, but at once starts
into dashing stream. Webowed down
and with true pilgrim reverence drank o
the sacred water at its very source
Keeping down the plain, we passed severa
encampments of Bedouins. about which
large droves of camels and horses were
feeding, and in the afternoon we pitched
our tent at Ell Hulch. This place con-
sists of nothing whatever but an old mill
yet it has prodigious population-o1
mosquetoes.
The vicinity abounds with species o.
lily, which probably furnished our Saviour
with his incompatible illustration. 1t is
two or three times as large as the ordina
ry lily. The ground Of its upper petals is
Of a purplish straw color, and that of the
lower Of the richest dark velvet, but the
whole is variegated with the most superb
tints and gorgeous hues. 1t has some.
thing imperial in its bearing, and in all
presents display of matchless splendor,
truly surprising ''Solomonin all his glory
This flower, | believe, has never been seen
in America; it is rarely possessed in Eu.
rope. and is there regarded as an invalu.
able prize.
The next day after a ride of few hours
over a finely cultivated country, we reach
ed the pit where they say Joseph was con-
fined by his brethren. 1t was subterra-
mean cistern some fifteen feet in depth
and ten in breadth, and nearly closed
over at the top. 1t was faced with stone,
and contained small spring of excellent
water. 1t was situated near an old ruined
stone khan, and was evidently of great
antiquity. We were not much inclined TO
allow its high claims, but took none the
less pains, out OF interest in the memory
of the son of Jacob, to get drink OF
water. 5..s
Again mounting, we soon came in view
of an object whose title to our profoundest
veneration was unquestionable. The sea
Of Galilee burst upon &c ..s viii, viii all lis lis ii
al beauty, and all its thrilling associations
It is a fine unbroken sheet, twelve miles
long and six broad, with shores of great
boldness and regularity OF outline, and en-
vironed with magnificent mountain scene
ry. The waters which once shrank be-
fore the rebuke of divinity, were now ner-
rily flashing in the declining sun, and
sporting in the freshening breeze. We
rode. up the banks of the lake to the town
Of Tiberias, and pitched our tent near a
hot spring famed for its medicinal virtues.
Iioerias was built by Herod, and was an
GENTLY oneiofthe' principal towns of Cali
lee. ltslwalls were once very strong and
imposing,but are now considerably de.
lapidated. The present town is extreme
ly miserable. The houses are wretched
and the people are ragged and dirty, and
sore-eyed, and pitifllly fea-bitten. The
place contains college of about two
thousand Jews, who are anxiously await
ing their Messiah, who, they suppose, is
to come from Capernaum on the opposite
shore lof the lake. si gig eaibllBd 16'F
We left the sea Of Galilee with regret
the next morning, for its short acouain.