DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4719#0235
214
WEST OP PHETaiA.
held together by a matrix of reddish stone, similar to what
we call scagliola. Time or an earthquake has warped them
and they now stand in curves, bulging out in various
directions, without any fracture. A kind of tomb is found
here which I have not observed elsewhere, a distinct temple
or house, probably a place of mourning for the friends of
the deceased interred beneath. These tombs are numerous
on each side of the town. Buildings such as these may
have been referred to when, in the time of our Saviour, per-
sons are spoken of as dwelling among the tombs.
Descending from the ruins we proceeded across the
plain towards the valley of the Mseander ; and after we had
ridden about twelve miles, night coming on, we pitched our
tent.
I have mentioned that we killed a vulture this morning
at Laodiceia. It was shot at about nine o'clock, and at the
time was washing itself in a stream after its hearty meal
upon the dead camel. It was wounded in the head and
neck, and dropped immediately ; but upon taking it up, its
talons closed on the hand of my servant, making him cry
out with pain. He placed it on the ground, and I stood
with my whole weight upon its back, pressing the breast-
bone against the rock, when its eye gradually closed, its hold
relaxed, and to all appearance life became extinct. It was
then packed up in my leather hood, and strapped behind the
saddle. The day was oppressively hot, for we trod upon our
shadows as we rode across the plain. Until this evening
(at eleven o'clock) the vulture remained tightly bound be-
hind the saddle. My servant, on unpacking, threw the bundle
containing it into the tent, while he prepared boiling water
for cleaning and skinning it. Intending to examine this
noble bird more carefully, I untied the package, and what
was my surprise to see it raise its head and fix its keen eye
upon me! I immediately placed my feet upon its back,
holding by the top of the tent, and leaning all my weight
WEST OP PHETaiA.
held together by a matrix of reddish stone, similar to what
we call scagliola. Time or an earthquake has warped them
and they now stand in curves, bulging out in various
directions, without any fracture. A kind of tomb is found
here which I have not observed elsewhere, a distinct temple
or house, probably a place of mourning for the friends of
the deceased interred beneath. These tombs are numerous
on each side of the town. Buildings such as these may
have been referred to when, in the time of our Saviour, per-
sons are spoken of as dwelling among the tombs.
Descending from the ruins we proceeded across the
plain towards the valley of the Mseander ; and after we had
ridden about twelve miles, night coming on, we pitched our
tent.
I have mentioned that we killed a vulture this morning
at Laodiceia. It was shot at about nine o'clock, and at the
time was washing itself in a stream after its hearty meal
upon the dead camel. It was wounded in the head and
neck, and dropped immediately ; but upon taking it up, its
talons closed on the hand of my servant, making him cry
out with pain. He placed it on the ground, and I stood
with my whole weight upon its back, pressing the breast-
bone against the rock, when its eye gradually closed, its hold
relaxed, and to all appearance life became extinct. It was
then packed up in my leather hood, and strapped behind the
saddle. The day was oppressively hot, for we trod upon our
shadows as we rode across the plain. Until this evening
(at eleven o'clock) the vulture remained tightly bound be-
hind the saddle. My servant, on unpacking, threw the bundle
containing it into the tent, while he prepared boiling water
for cleaning and skinning it. Intending to examine this
noble bird more carefully, I untied the package, and what
was my surprise to see it raise its head and fix its keen eye
upon me! I immediately placed my feet upon its back,
holding by the top of the tent, and leaning all my weight