EGYPT, AND SYRIA. 591 
The barley harveft was begun. The length of the plain of 
Antioch is about three leagues and a half, the width two leagues. 
The language is here generally Turkifh. 
It muft be remarked with regard to Aleppo and Antioch, 
that the latter has by far the moft convenient fituation. The 
former has no navigable river, the land is little productive, and 
it is placed at a great diftance from the Tea. Antioch polTeffes 
every oppofite advantage, except that of a navigable river, 
which however far exceeds the diminutive Coik ; the air is fu- 
perior to that of Aleppo, and it is within five hours of the fea. 
The mountain produces wine, which is fold cheap, and there 
is plenty of fea-fifh. Tl e mouth of the river forms a haven 
for fmall velTels, with very deep water. 
Between Antioch and the fea, the ridge abounds in mulberry 
trees, which furnifh a copious fupply of filk, though not of the 
beft kind. 
From Antioch I fet out for Suadea, the antient Seleucia, and 
port of Antioch, and only about four hours removed from it. 
It prefents to the mind the idea of the immenfe labour ufed by 
its former poffeflbrs to render it convenient for traffic, which is 
now rendered ufelefs, by the negligence of its prefent mafters. 
The road from Antioch is pleafingly diverfified by mountain 
and plain ; yet to appearance the country is but thinly inha- 
bited, though filled with all kinds of flowering and odoriferous 
plants, particularly myrtles, oleanders, and cyclamens. Having 
crofTed four rapid and tranflucid ftreams, which defcend into 
the 
