104 FORTRESS. 



of preservation. Its broad base leaves but a nar- 

 row passage on either side for the outlet of the 

 two large streams that flow from the north and 

 south divisions of the plain, rushing impetuously 

 over the rocky beds in the narrow gates through 

 which they pass, until they unite and form a 

 more tranquil river a few hundred yards from the 

 rock, on the other side. In the cliffs near the two 

 streams at the base of the rock are several well- 

 cut and well-preserved rock-tombs. These oc- 

 cupied the attention of Mr. Daniell whilst we 

 ascended to the citadel crowning the peak. The 

 ascent was very steep, wooded in a few places, 

 and the sides or soil supported by artificial ter- 

 races where available, now overgrown with long 

 grass and thickets, in clambering over which the 

 track of the wild boar was frequently seen. On 

 reaching the summit a magnificent view pre- 

 sented itself over the confined gorge on the other 

 side, and also of the valley of Kassabar. The 

 walls enclosing the summit are principally of 

 middle-age construction. They are interrupted 

 by octagonal towers, and built with small stones 

 and mortar, but so well cemented and put 

 together, as to remain almost perfect, and to 

 present a smooth external surface, which de- 



