spot. If another idea is to be started, may not Edroua, be Edar, where Jacob pitched his tent near the tower, which is still there? Bethlehem CHAPTER XIX. The Convent, and its different Religious Communities-Prospect of Jerusalem-Armenian Convent-Valley of Jehoshaphat-The Great Mosque-The Convent Church-Protestant Congregation. CHAPTER XIX. JUNE 14th. We left Edroua at our usual time, and continued our track through the same scenery of coppice and rocks mixed with cultivation. The arbutus and prickly oak together make a very thick cover, and other trees are mingled with them, so that the shades of green are of every hue. About three hours and a half from Edroua, we came upon came upon El Bourg, where the pools of Solomon are situated. Visiting these immense reservoirs, we admired their size and skilful construction. There is a large Khan or building for the accommodation of pilgrims, near the upper pool. The country now becomes more bare and rugged, and the hills more naked; copsewood disappears, and rocks and stones alone surround the path. The track to Bethlehem is difficult and rough, passing over beds of limestone and flint, among broken fragments of stone. About three miles from the pools we came in sight of the birthplace of our Saviour, which stands on a steep acclivity, commanding on every side an extensive prospect. Half the town is in ruins, the houses are huddled together, and the streets full of dirt, and resounding with the usual accompaniments of noise and wrangles among the populace. There was a great disturbance near the convent gate, and for some time we could not pass; though there is no great danger in these disputes, which, after all, end in nothing but bad language on all sides. Bethlehem looks down upon smiling terraces of figs and vines; olive trees are scattered about in great profusion, but the agricultural produce seems but scanty, and |