HUINS OF BALLEC. 
OOG 
23. The same nobleman mentions a small red dower growing in 
stuboble fields, called by the country people Wincopipe, probably the 
anagaUis arvensis, which if it opens in the morning ensures us a fine 
dav. 
The Ruins of Balbec, from a recent Inspection. 
On the summit of the mountains we stopped to take a farewel 
view of the celebrated plain at our feet, and then advanced over f 
barren tract, till we came to a spot watered by one or two rivers, aiu 
shaded with trees. These luxurious retreats are often resorted to b) 
the inhabitants of the city. The road afterwards w'ound through 
wild and rocky defiles in the mountains, and by the steep side of a 
rapid torrent that flowed over its course beneath, till, towards even- 
ing, we came into a plain, and passed the night in the cottage of a 
peasant. The next day was uncommonly fine, and we pursued our way 
in good spirits. The aspect of the country was more agreeable than 
on the preceding day, and the cottages were more numerously 
scattered. 
“ Soon after sunset w'e came to Zibolane, a large village finely situ- 
ated, and surrounded with groves; and a river ran through the middle 
of it. The habitation of one of the villagers was again our home: 
they spread their best mat on the floor, in the midst of \\hich thi 
fire burned bright and cheerfully, and prepared a good supper of fowls 
and eggs, followed by coffee and the chibouque ; and w'e found the luxu- 
ries of Damascus had not spoiled our relish of this simple and friendly 
reception. 
“ Demetrie, the servant of Mr. G. was a bigoted Greek, and true 
to bis country, though not a little of a rogue. m\d a great gourmand. 
Every evening he said his praters to the Virgin, acconij)anied with 
crossings, which, after the Greek fashion, w'cre drawn from his chin 
to his middle; and the constant subject of his prayers was, that the 
Virgin would give him plenty to eat and drink, and send him home 
safe to his family. 
On the third day v/e came (o tliC ruins of Balbec, which, being 
approached from Damascus, ore not seen till you are almost close on 
them. The village adjoining is very nseau, and contains a few hun- 
dred inhabitants ; it has a mosque and minaret. This place was 
situated just betw’een the limits of tlie rival pachas, and was under 
the jurisdiction of neither. We made our way to ihe wretched resi- 
dence of a Greek priest, who looked the picture of squalidness asid 
poverty, and resides in this lonely spot to minister to two or three score 
of Christians. He drew a, key out-of his pocket, and unlocked with 
great care a waste and dark apartment a few yards from his own. 
“ We soon sallied out to visit the temple, but were encountered 
about half w ay by the governor or sheik of the village, who, with much 
clamour, refused to allow us to proceed till he understood who we 
were. Vfe accordingly walked back, and in a short time he made 
his appearance at the priest's accompanied by an armed soldier, and 
a niHSiber of the villagers gathered round. The sh.eik demanded 
money for permission to see the ruins ; and after much cdtercafion, and 
