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is of a picturesque form, but very pretty, is a large and 
superb staircase of marble, which leads to the grotto 
where the great mystery of incarnation was realized. 
There are two narrow staircases on the two sides, that 
lead up to the grand altar, placed upon the rock, which 
forms the vault of the cave. The choir of the monks is 
behind, so that this church is composed of three planes; 
that of the grotto, which is the lowest; that of the body 
of the church, in the middle; and that of the grand altar, 
which is the highest. There is even a fourth plane above 
the choir, in the form of a tribune, where an excellent 
organ is placed, the ascent to which is by a staircase 
from the choir. All those different planes are upon the 
rock. There is a square apartment in the grotto mag- 
nificently ornamented; in the middle of which is a 
tabernacle of very fine white marble upon four small 
columns, with an altar behind. A narrow staircase hewn 
out of the rock leads to another grotto, which is believed 
to have been the kitchen of the Virgin's habitation, on 
account of a sort of hearth or chimney in one corner. 
By a second staircase, similar to the former, is an ascent 
to the interior of the convent. 
This communitv consists of thirteen monks, nine of 
whom, including the prelate, are Spaniards. 
The Mussulmen acknowledge the virginity of Mary, 
and the miraculous incarnation of Jesus, the spirit of 
God, Rouh Oullah, by the mission of the angel Gabriel. 
This place, sanctified by that great mystery, is equally 
venerated by the Mussulmen, who frequently come 
hither to say their prayers; and I one day saw a number 
of Mahometan mountaineers come in ceremony, ac- 
companied with music, to present a child to the Virgin, 
and to cut its hair for the first time in the Temple. 
Half a league distant S. S. E. of the town is a place 
