304 EXTRACTS FROM 
fell on its back with its load underneath it, and thus mar- 
vellously escaped with only a few bruises. 
The ascent from the gorge was easier than the descent, and 
after crossing a grassy flat by the northern base of the hill 
we reached Nebi-Musa, a place of pilgrimage much frequented 
by the Mohammedans, who here point out the grave of the 
Prophet Moses. This spot, marked by a small ruinous 
mosque and a wretched house for the pilgrims, is yearly 
visited by thousands of devotees. 
Our camp had been already pitched near the mosque on a 
singularly picturesque little plateau, covered with grass and 
bushes, which was bounded on the south by the reddish, and 
on the west by the grey-green mountains which follow the 
valley of the Jordan, while its shaly sides sloped down to the 
valley, gently towards the north and more abruptly towards 
the east. There we had a splendid view of the broad fresh 
green plain and the luxuriant vegetation of the Jordan, for 
we had at last happily got near the sacred stream which gives 
life to this region, and which was to provide sport for us. 
Partridges were calling in all directions, so we dispersed 
in pursuit of these beautiful birds ; but the sun had unfortu- 
nately already set, and twilight was coming on. I flushed 
some Quails from the long grass, and saw flocks of small birds 
flitting from bush to bush ; but it was impossible to shoot, so 
we all returned to the camp to dine and rest by the tomb of 
the great sage and prophet Moses. 
Next morning the whole party started before sunrise, the 
heavy caravan being directed to take the shortest route by 
Jericho to Ain-es-Sultan, while we, under the guidance of 
the Bedouins and accompanied by several guards, were to 
make an interesting excursion to the Dead Sea. 
From Nebi-Musa we rode due east by very narrow tracks 
over the steep hiilsides and water-worn gullies of a shaly 
region, perfectly devoid of vegetation. A few eagles and 
