EGYPT, AND SYRIA. 365 
only three villages in the fpace of as many hours ; but the vales 
are full of olives, fig trees, and vines, and even the rocks are 
fhaded with a variety of verdure. Having pafled the moun- 
tains of Naplofa, [Ebal and Gerizim,) we came to an extenfive 
plain of excellent land, which however after rain is almoft in- 
undated. Near its northern extremity is feated a fmall fortrefs, 
which repulfed Jezzar Pafha at the head of five thoufand men, 
and fome pieces of artillery : it difplays feven or eight fmall 
round towers, and has two gates. The peafants of Samaria are 
hardy and warlike, and generally go well armed. 
Sebafte or Samaria is now a miferable deferted village. Ginaea 
is a decent town, half way between Naplofa and Nazareth. The 
latter is a pleafant village, feated on an eafy Hope, with a re- 
fpedable convent : moft of the inhabitants are Chriftians. While 
I was there, the Samaritans had made an inroad, and carried off 
fome cattle : the Nazareens armed themfelves, and made repri- 
fals of feventeen oxen. In the neighbourhood is Mount Tabor, 
whence there is a delightful profped, and which is noted for the 
abfurd dodlrines it gave name to in the ecclefiaftical difputes of 
the Greek empire. 
