notice of their history and religion, which probably will give him all that is satisfactorily known about them. By reading that chapter first, he will be better able to understand the personal narrative of the remaining part of the book.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Plain of Ladikech-Tricks played on the Ansyreeh—

Ansyreeh peasant-Ansyreeh village-Failure in the

kitchen-Journey to Suadeiah-Cheapness of provi-

sions-Misadventure-Suadeiah-Ansyreeh literati-

Ansyreeh found at Tarsus, Seleucia, and Antioch-

Proceed to Antioch-To Aleppo

PAGE

CHAPTER II.

Aleppo-Inland road to Hamah-Thievish watchmen-

Bullying Kurd-Stories of the Irregular Horse-En-

camp in the fields-Second Pompeii-Guardian of well

-Castle of Kulat-el-Medeek-Plague of mosquitoes

-Castle of Sejjar-Hamah-Mysterious Ansyreeh

Sheikh-Mosquitoes again-Valley of the Orontes-

Return to Antioch

37

CHAPTER III.

Antioch-Fellow-lodgers-Murder of Padre-Renewal

of acquaintance-Ansyreeh geographer-Ansyreeh

lying The Deacon-Christian legend-Whisperings

of Ansyreeh-Visit to Patriarch-Antioch nobility—

Bigotry of the Mahometans-Oppression of the Ansy-

reeh-Prospects of a school-Circumstances favourable

to its formation-Cheapness of provisions-Beauty of

scenery and climate.

PAGE

68

CHAPTER IV.

Return to Ladikeeh-Long march-Bahluleeh-Indig-

nation of Turkish captain-Ansyreeh fare-Sheikh

Ibraheem Saeed-Troublesome curiosity-Theological

conversations-Credulous Christian-Turkish colonel

-Rows in the village-Pride and vices of the Turks

-Site for school-Solemn confab-Exciting scene-

Ansyreeh method of cure-Effects of incense-Won-

derful Sheikh-Curiosity of Amazon-Legends about

our Saviour

CHAPTER V.

Leave Bahluleeh-Illness-Toilsome journey-Diryoos

-Intelligent Mekuddam-Wish for schools-A knave

- Hospitable Mussulman Sahiyoon-Mussulman

champion — Magnificent castle - Narrow escape –

Shemseen Ansyreeh robber Ansyreeh tutor

Sheikh Hassan-Ansyreeh cheating-Christian village

94

-Infidel priest-Good site for school-Muhailby-

Fine castle-Kurdahah-Merry meeting-Ansyreeh

Circumcision-Feast -Ain Sukkur-Ansy-

dance

-

reeh bon-vivant

PAGE

. 145

CHAPTER VI.

Important visit-Sheikh Hhabeeb Eesa-Jocular old

Sheikh-Theological discussions -Transmigration-

Want of retirement-Scene for a sketch-Posed by

old Sheikh-Castle of Beni Israel-Leave the Sheikh

-Simt Kublee-Courtesy and intelligence of Mekud-

dams-Blood feud-Conversations on religion-Desire

for schools-Crusty old Sheikh-Delightful ride-

Forced levy of donkeys-Return to Ladikeeh

192

CHAPTER VII.

Greek priest-Answer to objections to schools-Gebilee

-Castle of Merkab-Effects of earthquake-Cour-

teous governor-Colony of old Mahometans-Castle of

Kadmoos-Ismaeleeh, or Assassins-Dreary country

-Corrupt faith-Ismaeleeh churlishness-How to find

one's way-Bivouac-Battle-Saffeeta-Sheikh Mu-

hammed Yoosef-His harshness and conceit-Abun-

dance of game.

CHAPTER VIII.

Trouble with guides-Monastery of St. George-River

of Josephus-Trickery of monks-Ansyreeh pilgrims

b

220

PAGE

-Castle of el-Husn-Affable governor-Image of

gold-Breakfast with wandering tribe-Plain of Homs

-Homs-Violent dervishes - Ancient threshing in-

strument-Obstinacy of jackass-Ribleh-Amiable

colony-Talkative priest-Hermel-Source of Orontes

-Remarkable monument-Illness of muleteer-Miss

the Cedars-Metawalee Sheikh-Tears of a mother-

Return to Beyrout.

. 250

CHAPTER IX.

Report to H. L. Dr. Gobat, Anglican Bishop in Jeru-

salem-History of Ansyrech-Religion-Present state

-Results of visit-Desire for schools-Expenses of

a school-Reasons for hoping for success

. 280