136 



perly attributable. In a valley near to this spot, he observes, the 

 substance called balsam is found, which is productive of a consi- 

 derable income ; since in no other part of the world, he remarks, is 

 this substance to be found, the use of which, as a remedy, is so 

 very considerable. 



Those who inhabit the borders of the lake, adopt a mode, he 

 says, by which, without the aid of ships, they obtain, and carry 

 home, the bitumen which floats on the lake. Having tied together 

 bundles of large reeds, so as to form rafts, three persons, two with 

 oars, and one armed with a bow and arrows, to repel the inhabi- 

 tants of the opposite shore, proceed to the floating bitumen. 

 Having reached the object of their voyage, they get on to the bitu- 

 men, and load their rafts with pieces, resembling a soft stone, which 

 they cut from it with hatchets, with which they are purposely pro- 

 vided. If, whilst thus employed, any one happens to fall into the 

 lake, our author informs us, that, although not a proficient at swim- 

 ming, he will not sink, as would be the case in other waters, but 

 floats as well as the most expert swimmer. The bitumen being 

 brought ashore, is afterwards carried to Egypt, and sold for the 

 purpose of embalming the dead : for with this substance, mixed with 

 various aromatics, they are able to preserve the bodies of the dead 

 for a considerable time*. 



We learn from Agricola-f , that bitumen was collected, in various 

 parts, in different degrees of thickness, and by different means, 

 adapted to its consistence and quantity. That it is exceedingly in- 

 flammable, so that any body being anointed with it, and particularly 

 with that species of it called naphtha, and having fire applied to it, 

 would be burnt; water not extinguishing it, unless applied in 

 great quantity, the flame being best smothered by clay, earth, dust, or 

 any such dry substances. From its so readily taking fire, it was used, 



* Diodori Siculi Bibliothecae Historicae, interprete Laurentio Rhodomano 

 t De Natura Fossilium, p. 324, edit. Basileae, 1559. 



