201 
time to put up our tents before thunder storms were 
heard, and heavy rain rushed down* I profited, how- 
ever, of a moment's Sunshine^ and found my chrono- 
metrical longitude to be 0' 15" W. from the Paris- 
ian observatory* 
I met on my road several Arabian caravans coming 
from the east and retiring from the dearness which 
reigned in their country. They consisted of whole 
tribes, who carried with them all the cattle and other 
provisions which they had been able to save. The picture 
of these caravans gave me an idea of the ancient emi- 
grations from Palestinda and Egypt, which often arose 
from the same causes. 
The back of my hands were so affected by the sun, 
that the erysipelas appeared upon them; they swelled, 
and the inflammation was so great that it caused me ex- 
cruciating pains. 
Monday, 3d June, As my pains did not diminish, 
1 ordered our tents to remain, and more so, as it rained 
very hard all the night and morning. 
I observed the sun across the clouds* and found my 
latitude to be at 34° 30' 7" N j this observation, how- 
ever, was a very indifferent one. The rain continued 
during the evening with a ong westerly wind. My 
left hand caused me a deal of pain. 
Tuesday* June 4, The heavy showers of rain con- 
tinuing without interruption, we were not able to move. 
Wednesday, 5th June. We set off at eight this 
morning, directing ourselves to the east, crossing val- 
lies, and ascending and descending hills, which were 
cut by a number of brooks. At a quarter after one I 
passed a river, and had our tents established within the 
VOL. I. D (J 
