TOUR TO THE DEAD SEA, AND THROUGH THE
SOUTHERN PARTS OF JUDEA.
Unexpected help.-The way to Bethlehem.-Convent of Elijah.-Beit-
Jala.-Bethlehem.-Traditions concerning the Grotto of the Nativity.
-David's Well.-Wadi-Urtas.-The Farm of Meshullam in Solomon's
Gardens.-Efforts to engage Shech Hamdan as a Guide to the Dead
Sea fail.-Reasons why.-Mr Meshullam.-American Emigrants at
his Farm.-Charming morning in Wadi-Urtas.-Excursion to Tekoa,
etc.-Ruins of Tekoa.-Chareitûn, the Cave of David.-Castle of
Herodium, the Frank's Mountain.-The Field of the Shepherds.-
Bedouins.-Solomon's Pools.-Road to Hebron.-Rama of Samuel.—
The Oaks of Mamre.—Hebron.—Detained by Storms at Besharah's.—
Contract with Shech Hamzeh for a Tour to the Dead Sea, etc.-Ex-
tortions and Tricks of the Bedouins.-The Cave of Machpelah.-Valley
of Eshcol.-Ruins round Hebron.-Off for the Camp of Shech Abû
Dahûk.-Ancient Sites.-Ziph, Carmel, Maon, etc.-Tell-'Arad, Wadi-
er-Rmail.-Reception at Abû Dahûk's.-How matters stand with regard
to Bedouïn Guides who are pressed upon Travellers.-Masada.-Dan-
gerous climbing of its Rock.-Ruins.-The Mountains between Masada
and Zuweirah.-Volcanic Formation.-Crater and Ruins of Zuweirah.
-The Plains between Wadi-es-Zuweirah and the Salt Mountain.-
The so-called Ruins of Zoar and Sodom of M. de Saulcy do not exist.
-Remarks upon the pseudo discoveries of that Traveller.-The Salt
Mountain.-Remarks upon the Catastrophe of Gen. xix., and the for-
mation of the present Dead Sea.-Ascent of the Mountains to the S.W.
of the Dead Sea. Fearful Precipices, and dangerous Mountain Paths.
-Thirst and Exhaustion.-Encamp in the Desert without Water.-
The Ruins of Kûrnûb.-Bedouïns.-The Desert a splendid field of
grass and flowers.-Wells of 'Arârah.-Bersheba.-Pursued by Be-