OF PART THE SECOND. xiii 
both by the evidences of ocular demonstration 
in that part of Asia, and a thorough knowledge 
of all that sacred or profane writers have said 
upon the subject, to ascertain its geography 
with ability and with precision: " Eum ferh 
semper secutus sum, quod persuasissimum haherem, 
nonfuisse unquam, qui voluerit magis aut vero etiam 
potuerit melius, perfectam et simplicem quandam ad 
hujus rei cognitionem viam sternere^y 
The boundaries of Palcestine are physically 
defined by the face of the country : the distinc- 
tion is, to a certain extent, yet maintained 
among the inhabitants of Syria. Even at this 
hour, the vast plain which extends westward 
from the mountains oi Judcea, and is bounded 
by the sea, bears the name of Phaiastin\ Ac- 
cording to VoLNEY*, it ** comprehends the 
whole country included between — the Mediter- 
ranean to the 2uest ; the chain of mountains to 
the east ; and two lines, one drawn to the south 
by Kan Younes^, and the other to the north. 
(3) Jdrtchomii Eulog. in Brocard. Vid. Theat. Terr. Sand, in 
Pra/at.p.3. Cnlon. \6<2S. 
(4) " This is the plain, which, uniler the name of Fulastin, or 
Palestine, terminates on this side the country of Syria." Volney's 
Travels, vol. II. p. 321. L<md. 1787. 
(5) Ibid. p. 328. 
(6) See Folneu's Map of Syria, as published in the English edition 
•f his Travels, vol. I. p. 287. Lmd. 1787. 
