128 
THE HOLY LAND. 
Reception 
by the 
CHAP, of the different species of Carduus, or Thistle, 
■ V I .■> in this country, are well worth notice ; a never- 
failing indication of rich soil in any land, but here 
manifesting the truth of Jacob's prophecy, who 
foretold the " fatness of the bread of Asher^' 
and the " royal dainties" of his territory'. We 
observed one in particular, whose purple head 
covered all the inland parts of Falcesthie with 
its gorgeous hue. After we had quitted the 
valley, and ascended the hill, we arrived, about 
eight p. M. at the Aghcis mansion, the Chief of 
the village. Being conducted up a rude flight 
of steps to the top of the house, we found, upon 
the flat roof, the Agha of Shefhamer seated upon 
a carpet; mats being spread before him, for 
our reception. Djezzar had despatched couriers 
to the Aghas and Sheiks in all places through 
which we were to pass, that provisions might 
be ready, as for himself, when we arrived. 
Without this precaution, a large party would 
be in danger of starving. The peasants of the 
country are woefully oppressed ; and what little 
they have, would be carefully concealed, unless 
extorted from them by the iron rod of such a 
tyrant as Djezzar. Judging by the appearance 
our supper presented, a stranger might have 
fancied himself in a land of abundance. They 
(I) Genesis xlix. 20. 
