JERUSALEM, FROM THE ROAD LEADING TO BETHANY. 
Jerusalem lies near the summit of a broad mountain ridge. This ridge, which is every¬ 
where not less than from twenty to twenty-five miles broad, is in fact a high irregular 
table land. The surface of the elevated promontory on which the city stands sinks 
somewhat steeply towards the east, terminating in the Valley of Jehoshaphat. 
The breadth of the whole site of Jerusalem from the Valley of Hinnom to the Valley 
of Jehoshaphat is about 1020 yards, or half a geographical mile. The surrounding 
country is of the limestone formation. The region is dreary, and the soil seems sterile; 
yet the olive thrives, and corn is grown in the levels and valleys. The vine and fig-tree 
flourish no longer on the hills, hut the latter grows in the sheltered spots, and is frequent 
near Bethlehem. The city is called by the Arabs, El-Kuds (the Holy); and also by 
Arabian writers, Beit El-Mukaddas (the Sanctuary). 1 
The spectator is presumed to be standing on the Mount of Olives, looking towards the 
Mosque of Omar, which stands on the central point of the view. On its left is the Mosque 
El Aksa. 
The space within which those edifices stand, is inclosed by a wall of great thickness, 
formed of stones of remarkable size, some of them thirty feet, and with great probability 
supposed to have formed part of the original wall of the platform, on which stood the 
temple built by Herod. This inclosure is the summit of Mount Moriah, on which no 
Christian or Jew was once permitted to set his foot (though of late years, the prohibition 
is occasionally relaxed). 
Beyond, and rising above it, is Mount Sion, the site of the city of David. Its northern 
part is now the most dilapidated portion of Jerusalem, and is chiefly inhabited by Jews, 
in a state of poverty. On the summit are seen the towers of the citadel. To the left is 
the Armenian convent: still farther to the left, and outside the walls, is the Muslim Tomb 
of David; and near it a small Greek Church built on the spot assigned by tradition as 
the place where the “Last Supper” was solemnized. Earther on the right is Acra, the 
third hill, on whose ridge stands the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the ridge is separated 
from Zion by the Tyropmon. And still farther to the right, and also within the walls, is 
the fourth hill, now covered with hovels. The summit commands a fine view of the city; 
and the monks have chosen to assign it as the site of a palace of Herod Agrippa. Its 
position would certainly accord with the taste and policy of a race, who so strikingly united 
"Robinson, vol. i. p. 380. 
