The Monticellonian., 1918-08-09
- HE district of Palestine which contains the greatest possi- bility of rapid development
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] LII lItSllut WHICH
 contains the greatest possi-
 bility of rapid development
 under a settled government Is the basin of the Jordan. Here, in this great and unique ehasm and its tributary valleys. we have abundant water. q rich alluyial soil. and semi tropical climate, a combination which under scientific direction should pro- duce astonishing results. For centu' ries the resources of this region have been neglected. writes Dr. E. W. C. Masterman in the Sphere.
 In the north. the fertile plain of the Huleh. traversed by the four tributary streams of the Jordan. is capable with little engineering oH receiving irriga- tion in every part. Tn some districts, at the head of the valley where this has been done. very striking re 'ults have been obtained. In this district red rice is now cultivated. At the further end of the plain lies the marsh and shallow lake of Fl Huleh. Here probably a good deal of land might be recovered for cultivation by drainage. This was done 10 some extent few years ago by deepening the bed of the Jordan a mile or two below the lake. and much marsh land was recovered. To the south and west of the Huleh are splendid corn lands. hence the lakes second name. Baheiret el khait, the Lake of the Wheat"
 In the Huleh valley as a whole, ice. maize. hemp, and probably cotton could all be proftably cultivated, while other parts might be planted with poplars for timber and with apricot and peach orchards, as is done with similar lands around Damascus.
 The district of rocky, volcanic hill slopes between the Huleh and the Lake of Galilee Is scarcely likely to afford scope for irrigation, but In the great descent of the Jordan, 6S9 feet in nine miles, there exists an economical source of power sufficient to produce, if properly utilized. all the electrical energy needed for public and private use for many miles around.
 To the north of the Lake of Galiiee He the two fertile and easily irrigated plains, Fl Bataihah-the Jordan delta and Fl Ghuweir, or Gennesaret. Of this latter Josephus writes: Extend ing along the Lake of Gennesaret. and bearing also it's name, lies tract of country admirable both for its natural properties and its beauty. Such is the fertility of the soil that it rejects nc plant, and accordingly all are here cul tivated by the husbandmen; for SC genial is the air that it suits every variety The walnut, which delights beyond other trees in a wintry climate grows here luxuriantly, together witt the palm, which is nourished by the heat; and near to these are figs and olives. to which a milder climate is as signed"
 Fish Supply of Gennesaret.
 Gennesaret is watered by severa streams, some of which in the deer valleys through which they emerg, support groves of lemons, oranges, ant other trees. They also supply a mum Der of mills. With a proper scheme ] the abundant water reaching this plaiI might be distributed to every part, ant | the district be thus restored to con dition at least as fruitful as that de scribed by Josephus as existing in Ro man times. Jewish colonists have al ready in parts of the district greatl, added to its productiveness. All alon, the northern shora where some of tn springs feeding the lake are warm, tn fishing is specially good; but. indeed the waters of the Mulch, of the Lak of Galilee, and of the Jordan itsel abound in fish of which the large varieties are all wholesome and pala table. The fishing industry has not ye been exploited for the benefit of tn public.
 Debouching upon the lake fror both east and west are several valley which in their lower reaches contai streams that can be utilized for irriga ton, and in their higher parts in man