354 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 hillside? and water-worn gullies of a shaly 

 region, perfectly devoid of vegetation. A few eagles and 



