338 
the last state of decomposition. There were also several 
wells of excellent water, each with a handsome stone 
stair-case to descend to the bottom. Although the whole 
country is deserted, the soil is composed of a fine red 
vegetable earth, and calcareous rocks. 
At half past nine we arrived at Marra, a town con- 
taining about two thousand families, at the entrance of 
which I saw several handsome stone tombs, each form- 
ing an elevated mausoleum, surrounded by five or six 
steps. 
Marra is the last city in this direction, under the go- 
vernment of Damascus; which extends three leagues 
further towards the north; so that this pachalik may. be 
considered as a kingdom, from the Desert of Egypt to 
the gates of Aleppo. 
I was lodged in a chapel, and I had my bed placed 
by the side of the tomb of the saint, who is very much 
revered. 
Tuesday, 8th September. 
It was half past three in the afternoon, when we be- 
gan our march towards the N. N. E. There are two 
roads from Marra to Aleppo. The principal one, which 
as much frequented, was then occupied by the troops of 
the ancient Pacha of Aleppo, and as my Arabs feared 
to meet him, we took the other road which goes to the 
right, and is deserted. We passed through a village at 
sun-set, where there was a khan, and a well, at which 
we ohtained a supply of water. Continuing along the 
road we turned towards the N. E. and E. N. E. about 
half past eight in the evening, and at nine we traversed 
a large douar, composed of tents, huts, and some 
houses. 
