Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1881-06-02
a vl.I. to the Garden Of Eden.

/
A couple of hours ride over most
wretched bride path, up and do wn rugged
mountain passes, brought us to this charm
rng oasis called eden" The Arabs as
sured us this spot was the real Garden of
Eden and judging from the intense curl
ositY they eVinced concerning ourselves
and our traps, we had no difficulty In be-
heving this to be the garden where our
first mother Eve dwelt ere she grew too
fond of apples. This Eden is situated IN a
pretty little valley in the heart of the
mountains, at an elevation of some o, 900
feet above the level of the sea. Water Ia
abundant here and consequently every
thing is green and fruit is plenty. The
valley is full of vineyards, with pomegran-
ates and fig trees, and olive and mulberry
plantations, and over-topplng the whole
can be seen some immense walnut trees
that look as old as tie world.
AS am writing these lines sitting on
camp-stool in front Of my tent, can see
the whole population of Eden collected
round our camp staring at u.s. Young
and old, men women and children are
pressing forward to have a good look at
us; and some of these wild children OF
Eve have climbed up the trees TO have the
luxury OF birds eye view Of our camp.
Long before we reached our campaign
ground the news bad been brought that a
caravan Of people from beyond the noun
taine and perhaps, oh wonderl from be-
yond the sea, was coming to camp in their
oasis The news spread like wild fire
among the tribe and there was a general
rush for the best places to see us come In
and get of our horses. The women left
OF their work IN the fields, the men left of
playing on the reed-pipes and the chill
dren left of crying to see us coming.
circus arriving In a village "cut
West" never created such q sensation as
we did on approaching this earthly para.
disc. AS we tiled past through this aisle Of
human beings, we were greeted with shouts
and mock salutations The women gig
gled, the men smiled, the children roared
ut the queer figure we cut in our European
costumes. Two ladies with US were made
the objects of q very popular ova ion.
The green goggles which some of my
companions wore seemed to raise the en-
thusiasm of the crowd to its highest pitch,
and many swarthy finger was raised
from among those Arabs, pointing TO these
green goggles, while the women called 10
each other and raised their children In
their arms to make them enjoy the treat.
Meantime my friends, quite unconscious
of their great popularity, did not know
what TO make of all this crowd. But as
we drew near the tents and helped Mrs.
E., off her horse, the crowd pressed 30
much on us that Hall and his men were
obliged to drive them of and TO have ropes
stretched around our camp to keep the
intruders out.
Here with plenty of elbow room enjoy
the scene, which indeed, Is very pictur-
esque. When the excitement had some
what subsided / strolled out 10 enjoy the
gorgeous sunset. The western SKY was
aglow with luminous tints of orange, pink
and purple. This glory lasted but min
ute, and all was hushed In the gray tnts Of
evening.
Later in the evening some young men
and young women were admitted in our
dining-room tent. These AraO women
were dying with curiosity to see and han
die the clothes and trinkets Of our lady
friends. Velvet, seemed TO attract their
attention and admiration more than any
thing else, save perhaps our watches and
gloves. The gloves especially seemed to
puzzle them. The Countess took out her
repeater and made it strike for them. They
seemed delighted, just as little children
would be with the sound Of the tiny bell.
Some of these pretty Arab girls asked me,
through our dragoman, il all the ladies in
our country were like the two that were
with usl | told Hail to ask these gIrls
what made them ask that question. They
answered with giggle and shy look
from their roguish eyes, ''If they are all so
large 1t must be very hard work for the
poor horses to carry them
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