Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1878-01-11
EXPLORATIONS IN PALESTINE.


The British organization for the ex-
ploration OF the Hsly Land. called the
Palestine Exploration Fund. has Just
finished its field work. In the twelve
years Of its existence. 1t has surveyed
the region west OF the jordan with an
accuracy said to surpass that attained by
the celebrated Ordnance Survsyin Great
Britain. and the information thus la
boriously acquired will be embodied in
one OF the best typographical maps ever
made. II is difficult TO eIaggerats the
interest or importance Of the results Of
this survey in their bearing on Scrip
tural geography. The English sIplo-
rsrs. however. did not extend their re-
searches beyond the Jordan and in
1870. the Palestine Exploration Society
was formed in this country. to prosecute
. scientific survey Of the region east Of
that river. comprising the countries
formerly known as Moab, Gilsad. and
Bashan.
Since 1875 DR.. Merrill has been the
archsologis, Of this American organ.
ization. Tho malaria Of the Jordan
Valley renders the country extremely
unhealthful to most foreigners, but he
has shown remarkable ability to with.
stand the dangers OF the climate. Ae-
eording to statements made the Amer
lean Society has thus far expended about
$4,000 a year. The money has been
obtained by voluntary subscriptions.
mostly in large amounts from wealthy
citizens. In the present condition OF
the business interests OF the country
such generous subscriptions can no
longer DO expected. The Eastern war.
too. would probably interfere with the
conduct Of the survey just ut present.
even IL the funds were sufficient to allow
Of its continuance on a large scale. But
the managers OF the society hope that
its treasury and the state OF Syria will
soon enable them to send DIR. Merrill. II
no u else. back to the scene Of his
lsbors.
OF the value Of the archaeological
work done by DIR. Merrill, there appears
to BE- no question. It has been frankly
recognized. not only here but in Eng
land. where his Published letters from
Palestine have really given a fine idea
Of his discoveries. They described the
amazing fertility and natural resources
Of the eastern portion Of the Valley Of
the Jordan. where may be seen plowsd
burrows q mile and a half in length aud
as straight rs one can draw . line. IL is
probable that the ancient system OF irri-
CATION could easily be restored so as
to bring water to every square mile
Of the valley between tho Lake Of Ii
bsrias and the Dead sec. The chief
archaeological interest, however. attaches
not TO the ~lowlands. but to the foothills
which skirt the basin Of the Jordan Oh
the east. These abound in curious and
wonderful ruins, including the remains
Of large towns, the decayins structures
Of vast baths near hot springs, which
must have been among the famous and
iavorits watering places Of antiquity.
and numerous amphitheatsrs Of great
beauty. one OF which was capable Of
seating moro than ten thousand people,
while another was evidently designed
wholly for the exhibition OF sea fights
II the American Palestine Exploration
Society will only bring forward the
really interesting and attractive details
Of its operations in sueh n way that they
may DO understood by tho public, 1t
will not appeal in vain for funds to so
large and wealthy a religious community
as exists in this country.