EGYPT, AND SYRIA. 387 
The quarries which fupplled the ftone for the conftrucllon of 
the city, are not far removed from the Antioch gate. They 
are every way worthy remark. On hoth fides of a road, cut 
through the folid rock, are feen the openings of caverns, capable 
of giving flielter to a vaft number of perfons. From thefe 
again, which are tolerably light, open a number of other paf- 
fages, in all diredions, from the principal apartments. Thefe 
I had neither time nor inftruments to inveftigate ; but the peo- 
ple of the place pretend that one of thefe pafTages goes to the 
caftle, another to Antioch, &c. Traditions fimilar to which 
abound in every country, which prefents any caverns natural or 
artificial. 
The material is a foft ftone or tufa, replete with petrified 
fhells. It would appear that the artificers defigned thofe quar- 
ries for fome ufeful purpofe, as they have not only left rough 
columns, and cut perpendicular fhafts, which admit fome portion 
of light, but the walls are hewn to a much greater degree of 
fmoothnefs than is ufually feen in quarries. It is certain they 
have afterwards been occupied, as marks of fire, mangers for 
horfes, and even burial places, may be obferved. In latter times, 
difbanded delUs^ not being admitted into the city, have here 
fixed their abode, and become dangerous to pafFengers, whom 
they have robbed, and fometimes murdered. 
There is a large burying-place without the city. Here I ob- 
ferved the tomb of an Englifhman, dated 161 3. 
3 D 2 
The 
