PREFACE. As the particular object of the present work is not the description, so much as the delineation, of the different places through which the author passed when returning from Egypt, it is presumed it may require some indulgence from the public. Much has already been written on Palestine by the most able travellers, and much information has been gained from their labours respecting the present state of a country familiar to us from childhood, as connected with the great events contained in sacred history. The works of Maundrell and Pococke rank high among the descriptions of the Holy Land. To the indefatigable Burckhardt we are much indebted for investigating with such ardent zeal a tract of country little before known. The descriptions by Dr. Richardson and Mr. Buckingham will be found of great service to the traveller, who may have the intention of visiting Palestine. To Captain the Honourable L. J. Irby, and James Mangles, Esq. (whose work was printed for private distribution), geographical science is deeply indebted, particularly for their researches round the Dead Sea-to each of these travellers the author begs to acknowledge the information he has derived from the perusal of their valuable works. Their unwearied labours to advance the knowledge of history and geography, in one of the most interesting portions of the globe, will confer a benefit on distant ages. But the facility of travelling assisting the desire of information at the H present day, induces a multitude to visit various countries, according to their peculiar taste, and thus gratify a laudable curiosity. Though few may now merit the palm awarded to success in the difficult and dangerous task of first adventures, yet the unprejudiced mind that discerns the good as well as the bad qualities of other nations, may glean much information, and perhaps derive much benefit, from observing not only the country, but the customs and manners, of the people who may have been hitherto regarded as most uncivilized. The circumstance of Syria being under the dominion of the Turks, the little facility or accommodation afforded to the European traveller - the want of those luxuries which (forgetting the difference of climate) the English stranger fancies necessaries, and the fatiguing slowness of the travelling, over a mountainous country, where the roads are not improved by art, demand great moral, as well as physical courage, to endure the constant vexations and privations that await the traveller. But so numerous are the reasons by which many might be deterred who anxiously wish to visit this interesting country, that it would be needless to cite them; to such I beg to submit the following views, as fac-similes of sketches taken on the spot. The eye of the painter will doubtless see in them much that might be improved; as, in the descriptions, the poet might embellish many of the scenes. The simple narrative of the events of each day, with the opinions of various celebrated travellers on the objects and places connected with sacred history, interspersed with a few historical data, interesting to every reader who peruses the description of a country and city once the joy of the whole earth," but deprived of all its former splendour, with now "not one stone left upon another," is all that is offered to the reader in these pages. This, it is to be hoped, may give interest to the views; and the views may serve, in their turn, to illustrate more clearly and make amends for any deficiency in the description. To Mr. T. B. Shaw, of St. John's College, Cambridge, the author has to return many thanks for the assistance afforded him in collecting the opinions of various travellers and authors; as well as to Mr. J. J. Scoles and Mr. F. Catherwood for permitting him to avail himself of their valuable plans of the Holy City. The route from Grand Cairo to Beirout, passing by Suez, and visiting Mount Sinai, is not likely to be attended with either danger or fatigue to the traveller, which might arise from the constant tumults among the different Arab tribes; should he wish to pursue his journey further eastward. He may also ensure a kind reception at the Convent of Mount Sinai; great hospitality being the usual character of these establishments; places of refuge, where the traveller may repose, without fear of molestation, and enjoy every necessary he can desire. The particular specification of the time employed on the journey may also be of service to many, it being difficult to persuade either the camel-driver or muleteer to increase his usual rate of travelling. The necessaries required for the journey, the delays occasioned by the negligence, or natural tardiness of the people, will also be noted; making, it is hoped, the following tour serviceable as a guide to the future traveller, who, the author trusts, after passing the same route, will be enabled to bear witness to its correctness. This attempt to unite illustration with description will, he hopes, be successful in rendering it of some interest to the general reader. 1 |