^JERU.SAjLEM. [ 307 
repetition here is unnecessary, Jt is not so easy ^ii ap. 
to explain the origin of the shell worn as a badge 
by pilgrims*; but it decidedly refers to much 
earlier Oriental customs than the journeys of 
Christians to the Holj/ Land, and its history will 
probably be found in the antient mythology of 
Eastern nations. Among the substances which 
they had wrought in the manufacture of rosaries, 
and for amulets, we were glad to notice the 
black fetid limestone of the Lake Asphaltites • ^etid 
' Limestone. 
because it enabled us to procure very large 
specimens of this mineral, in its natural state. 
It is worn in the East as a charm against the 
plague ; and that a similar superstition existed 
with regard to this stone in very early ages, is 
evident from the circumstance of our having 
afterwards found amulets of the same substance 
in the subterraneous chambers below the Pyra- 
mids of Sachdra, in Upper Egypt. The cause of 
(4) It was an antient symbol of Astarte, the Syrian Goddess, as 
Venus Pelagia (avaSu»^£m) ; but, as the appropriate cognizance of a 
pilgrim's hat, is beautifully commemorated in the well-known ditty j-^ 
" And how should I thy true-love know 
" From any other one ?" 
" O, by his cockle-hat and staff, 
" And by his sandal shoon." 
(5) " Chaux carlonatie fitide," Haiiy. " Pierre puante," Lameth, 
torn. II. p. 58. " Swinestone," Kirwan. " Stinkstcin," Brochant, 
torn. I. p. 567. " Sjaatlncm frictione fcetidum," Waller, torn. I. p. 148. 
