DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.11789#0121
OF PALESTINE. Ill
•which I never noticed in those of any other country;
they appear to be planned on purpose to lead you
astray. Sometimes two or three different paths
■will run parallel to each other for a half a mile or
a mile, and then terminate in one; but often, when
there is every appearance that they take the same
direction and lead to a common end, they will all
at once—especially when you happen to be in a
hilly region, where you cannot see the other paths
—change their course; then, making a gradual
curve, land you no one knows where.
Early in that day we passed by Bethel, so cele-
brated in Scripture history. This portion of the
country is diversified by hills or elevations mostly
of a rounded form and easy ascent, but, compared
with other parts of the Holy Land, could scarcely be
called mountainous or hilly. As we advanced, the
hills became higher and more abrupt. Towards
evening, as we approached Nabloos (the ancient
Sychar), our path, for a considerable distance, lay
through a most delightful vale. I had often re-
marked before, the singularly sweet and exhilarating
air which circulates among the hills of Palestine,
but on this occasion it impressed me more than usual.
It seemed as if the zephyrs—the -winds were gene-
rally from the west or a westerly quarter during
•which I never noticed in those of any other country;
they appear to be planned on purpose to lead you
astray. Sometimes two or three different paths
■will run parallel to each other for a half a mile or
a mile, and then terminate in one; but often, when
there is every appearance that they take the same
direction and lead to a common end, they will all
at once—especially when you happen to be in a
hilly region, where you cannot see the other paths
—change their course; then, making a gradual
curve, land you no one knows where.
Early in that day we passed by Bethel, so cele-
brated in Scripture history. This portion of the
country is diversified by hills or elevations mostly
of a rounded form and easy ascent, but, compared
with other parts of the Holy Land, could scarcely be
called mountainous or hilly. As we advanced, the
hills became higher and more abrupt. Towards
evening, as we approached Nabloos (the ancient
Sychar), our path, for a considerable distance, lay
through a most delightful vale. I had often re-
marked before, the singularly sweet and exhilarating
air which circulates among the hills of Palestine,
but on this occasion it impressed me more than usual.
It seemed as if the zephyrs—the -winds were gene-
rally from the west or a westerly quarter during