1848.] SEA OF GALILEE. 481 



and Saladin have been alike mirrored in the clear waters, — 

 the Christian and the Infidel have rejoiced in alternate tri- 

 umph, — the Frank and the Turk have each, in turn, suo- 

 cumbed to the other, — but after ages of war and bloodshed, 

 the Mussulman is left in undisturbed possession of the sacred 

 places of Israel. 



The Sea of Galilee, or Lake of Genesareth, is, strictly 

 speaking, an expansion of the river Jordan, occupying a basin 

 formed amid the surrounding hills. It is about sixteen miles 

 in length, from north to south, and between five and six miles 

 in breadth. On the east it is bordered by precipitous moun- 

 tains, for the most part rising abruptly from the water's edge ; 

 but on the west, the banks slope gradually upwards to the 

 plain of Zebulon. As the shore outline is almost unbro- 

 ken, and the margin nearly destitute of trees, while a boat, 

 or sailing craft of any kind, is scarcely ever seen, the aspect 

 of the lake is cheerless and monotonous, except when dis- 

 turbed by the occasional squalls issuing from the ravines, sim- 

 ilar to that which was hushed in an instant by the simple 

 command of the Saviour, " Peace, be still !" — yet its broad 

 and unruffled surface, "added to the impression under which 

 every Christian pilgrim approaches it, gives to it a character 

 of unparalleled dignity."* 



During the rainy season, the depth of the water in the 

 lake is considerably greater than at other times, but after a 

 rise, the rapid evaporation which takes place in this warm cli- 

 mate soon causes it to fall. The greatest depth so far ascer- 

 tained is one hundred and sixty-five feet. To the taste the 

 water is cool and sweet, and it is said to possess medicinal 

 properties. About a mile to the south of Tiberias are the 

 hot baths or springs of Emmaus, the waters of which are 

 salt and bitter, and strongly impregnated with sulphuretted 

 hydrogen. Near them are several other springs, whose watera 

 contain more or less mineral substances. Several varieties 

 of the most delicious fish are found in the lake, which furnish 

 the weary traveller with many an excellent repast. 



* Dr. Clarke's Travels, Vol. IV. r 216. 



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