337 
and when they got too warm, the third imposed silence. 
A numerous circle of auditors listened to the discus- 
sion, which served them for a lesson. 
As the waters of the river cannot ascend to the upper 
plane of the country, the aridity of this desert forms a 
singular contrast with the verdure and beauty of the 
lower plains, where irrigation is practicable. 
Sunday , 6th September. 
We continued our march at half past two in the 
morning, and crossed several hills to N. N. W. We 
passed a mosque to the right about sun-rise, and turn- 
ing afterwards to the N. N. E. arrived about eight 
o'clock near the last remains of an ancient city, which 
by tradition is named Litminn. Among a heap of ruins 
I perceived a fine fragment of a cornice of red granite, 
several pieces of columns, and the remains of a grand 
aqueduct. About eleven o'clock, we entered the Khan 
Scheikhoun, which is at the foot of a village situated 
upon the declivity of a hill. 
The country which we had just traversed is a con- 
tinuation of the barren desert of which I have spoken. 
The village resembles a large group of bee-hives, on 
account of the conical cupolas, which cover all the 
houses. The water used here is obtained from the wells, 
and is very good. 
Monday, 7th September. 
We continued our journey towards the north -about 
four o'clock in the morning. The country presented 
numerous undulating hills in the fore-ground, termi- 
nated by the high mountains towards the west, from 
which we were daily receding. 
We passed near some ancient ruins wtiich were in 
Vol. II. % U 
