rable for the birth of David, the royal Psalmist, and of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ it is visited chiefly for the sake of the convent, built by the empress Helena over the manger of the nativity. Naplous, 24 miles north of Jerusalem, is near the site of the ancient Samaria: this is one of the most flourishing places in the Holy Land; it stands in a fertile valley surrounded by hills, and embosomed in stately groves and rich gardens; inhabitants 10,000. Nazareth, 50 miles north of Jerusalem, is a small town of two or three thousand inhabitants: it ranks next to the latter among the holy places of Palestine; the scenes of all the events in the life of Joseph and the Virgin Mary are here carefully pointed out: the most venerable spot is the Grotto of the Annunciation, the descent to which is by a flight of marble steps. The natives believe that when sick of the plague, they may, by rubbing themselves against the columns, assuredly obtain restoration of health. Hence its approaches are continually crowded by the sufferers under this distemper; circumstances which render it very unsafe for other visitants. East from Nazareth, is Mount Tabor, celebrated by the transfiguration of which it is supposed to have been the theatre. North from Nazareth is the small village of Cana, famed for the miraculous conversion of water into wine.

Gaza, Jaffa, and Acre, are the principal places on the coast. Gaza, noted from the earliest antiquity, is a decayed town, of about 5000 inhabitants, who carry on some trade in cotton goods, &c. Jaffa, anciently Joppa, was conspicuous as the port of Judea, and the only point by which David and Solomon communicated with the Mediterranean Sea: it became famous during the Crusades, and has, in the present day, acquired a melancholy celebrity from its capture by Bonaparte, and the subsequent massacre of the prisoners made there. The town is surrounded by a wall, which is environed with gardens; where lemons, oranges, citrons, water-melons, &c. grow in great perfection.

About 65 miles north of Jaffa is Acre, or St. John de Acre: the population was lately reckoned at from twelve to fifteen thousand. During the Crusades it changed its ancient, obscure name of Acron, to Ptolemais, celebrated as a scene of siege and contest, and for the repeated change of masters it had to endure. In 1799 Bonaparte laid siege to this place, but was repulsed with loss, and compelled to retreat. It contains an elegant Mosque and Bazaar, and the finest baths in Syria; also a fountain which supplies the town with excellent water.

ARABIA.

ARABIA forms an extensive country, being a great peninsula in the form of an irregular quadrangle; bounded, north by Asiatic Turkey and Syria; east by the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea; south by the Arabian Sea; and west by the Red Sea, Egypt, and Syria. It lies between longitude 33° 30′ and 59° 30' east; latitude, 12° 30' and 31° 30′ north. It is about 1500 miles long from north to south, and 1300 wide from east to west. Area in square miles, 1,166,000.

The general aspect of Arabia is a vast arid desert, interspersed with spots of fertile ground, and intersected in different directions with various ridges of mountains, none of which, however, attain to much elevation. Water is generally scarce, and there are no rivers or lakes of any considerable size. The most fertile parts are situated near the sea. Of its mountains, Sinai and Horeb are the most celebrated. In the mountainous parts the climate is temperate, but in unsheltered situations the heat is excessive.

Arabia was divided by the ancients into three parts; Arabia Felix, or Happy Arabia, comprising the south-western part of the country, bordering on the Indian Ocean and on the southern part of the Red Sea; Arabia Petræa, lying on the Red Sea, north of Arabia Felix; and Arabia Deserta, much the largest division, embracing all the eastern and northern part of the country. These names are still in common use among Europeans, although not known or recognised by the natives. The actual local divisions are, 1st, Hedjaz, situated along the upper coasts of the Red Sea: here is the Holy Land of the Mohammedans, containing Mecca and Medina. 2d, Yemen, lying on the lower shores of the Red Sea, and

on the Gulf of Aden, is the most populous and best cultivated part of Arabia, and is now under the control of Mohammed Ali, Pacha of Egypt. 3d Hadramaut, whose shores are washed by the Arabian Sea, or Indian Ocean: this division is under the control of numerous petty chiefs, one of whom, the Sultan of Keshin, is master of the Island of Socotra. 4th, Oman, lying partly on the Sea of Oman, and on the Persian Gulf: most of it is under the government of the Imâm of Muscat, the most enlightened and civilized of all the Arab chiefs. 5th, Hajar, or Lahsa, extending from Omon, along the Persian Gulf, to the Euphrates; its harbours are mostly in the possession of pirates, who capture all the vessels in the Gulf they can master; it is also noted for its pearl-fisheries. 6th, Nedsjed, the country of the Wahabites, occupies the centre of Arabia between Hajar and Hedjaz; it is tolerably populous, and although much of the surface is desert, it contains many fertile tracts.

Arabia is, and has been from the earliest ages, ruled by a number of princes and petty lords, independent of each other, and exercising within their own territory a sort of supreme independent power, founded on patriarchal principles. The sway of the father of a family, the first source of subordination among men, is that of which the influence is still most strongly felt among the Arabs. Each little community is considered as a family, the head of which exercises paternal authority over the rest.

The general character of the soil of Arabia is, in a peculiar degree, arid and barren. In a great part of its surface no grain can be raised at all, and in others only that coarse kind of millet, called dhourra, which is the general food of the inhabitants in dry tropical climates. The Arabs, notwithstanding their natural disadvantages and their wandering life, display in some quarters considerable industry in cultivation, particularly in turning to account the scanty rills with which their valleys are refreshed. In Yemen, the contrivances for this purpose are elaborate and extensive. Terraces are formed, and dikes constructed to retain the waters, which are also raised from wells by the labour of tho hand to irrigato the fields; for the use of water-wheels, which answer this purpose with so much more ease and effect, has never been imported from Egypt. But the most interesting culture of these upland tracts consists in the coffee tree, which has now become a necessary of life over a great portion of the civilized globe. This plant grows at a considerable height, where it can be well watered and enjoy even a measure of coolness; to promote which, it is often fenced round with other trees. If the vegetable culture of Arabia be thus scanty, its natives, a race wholly pastoral and wandering, have cultivated with care and success the breed of the nobler species of animals. The horse of Arabia, as to swiftness and beauty, enjoys a higher reputation than any other species in the world. This is maintained by an almost fantastic attention to their birth and training. The camel, which seems created expressly for the soft soil and thirsty plains of Arabia, is indigenous to that country, and seems to have been transported thence to the wide tracts, of similar character, which cover so great a part of northern Africa. Even the ass is here of a very superior breed, tall and handsome, generally preferred for travelling to those proud steeds which, reserved for state and for war, cannot be subjected to any species of drudgery.

Manufactures can scarcely be said to exist, with the exception of some quite common fabrics for domestic use. But for commerce Arabia enjoyed an early celebrity, of which only faint traces are now to be found. At all periods anterior to the discovery of the passage by the Cape of Good Hope, the greater part of the rich commodities of India were transported either up the Red Sea, or across Arabia from the Persian Gulf. The desert glittered with pearls and gems; and majestic cities, that lie now in ruins, arose amid the waste. Now that the whole of this trade has taken a different channel, the maritime commerce is almost wholly limited to the export of coffee, in exchange for the manufactures of Hindoostan. This intercourse, after having been for a long time nearly engrossed by the English, when it centered in Bombay, has of late been appropriated by the active rivalry of the Americans, who, though they give a higher price for the commodity, bring it to Europe thirty per cent. cheaper. The entire quantity exported is

now estimated at 16,000 bales, of 305 lbs. each. Aden formerly exported gum Arabic, myrrh, and frankincense; but that town being now in ruins, the trade is divided between Mocha and Makulla.

Besides this maritime trade, the pilgrimage to Mecca forms a commercial tie between the remotest extremities of the African and Asiatic continents; for the numerous devotees who, from every part of the Mahometan world, resort thither, scruple not to combine with their pious object a good deal of profane traffic, which is made at least to pay the expense of the journey.

The chiefs of the desert are deeply imbued with aristocratic feelings, and dwell on their high descent with a pride as lofty as ever prevailed in feudal Europe. This dignity is the more flattering, as it is not conferred or withdrawn at the will of any monarch. It is founded on ideas thoroughly rooted in the mind of the nation, who, like the Highland clans, view every sheik as the natural head of a race so ancient that its origin is traced back for thousands of years. A sheik of an ancient Arabian family would not exchange his title for that of sultan. Another hereditary Arabian dignity is that of sheriffe, or descendant of Mahomet, marked by the nearly exclusive privilege of wearing a green turban. This is a distinction of a different class, more widely diffused, and descending often to the poorest among the people. When the green turban is worn by the head of an ancient tribe, it denotes the highest dignity that can exist in Arabia. In general, the inhabitants of cities are viewed by the chiefs of the desert as a mixed and debased race, whom they scarcely own as belonging to the same nation with themselves.

The most prominent feature in the Arab character consists in the combination of hospitality and robbery, which are practised, the one most liberally and generously, the other in the most deliberate and merciless manner. It is towards strangers that these opposite dispositions are exercised; and the alternative of good or ill treatment often depends on very nice particulars. The rich traveller, who journeys in caravan over the open plain, is considered as a rightful prey; while he who approaches singly, in a defenceless state, and soliciting protection, acquires an irresistible claim to it. The being once admitted to partake common bread and salt is a sure pledge of safety and protection; and he who, by whatever means, has penetrated into the tent of the Arab, has reached a sanctuary.

The Arabs are of small size, spare, and even meagre. They are less distinguished by strength than by extreme agility. Few nations surpass them in horsemanship, and they are alike intrepid and skilful in the management of the bow, the javelin, and latterly of the musket, since its manifest superiority has introduced that weapon. Their complexion is sallow. They are not only temperate, but extremely abstinent. Animal food is scarcely used at all: even among the rich there is little variety of vegetable diet; the milk of their camels, with its several preparations, particularly butter, is the only article with which they season their bread.

The religion of Mahomet, which originated in Arabia, still maintains undisputed sway; and Christians, who were once numerous, are now so completely extirpated, that it is believed there is not a single church existing. The Sunites and the Shiites, who divide between them the empires of Turkey and Persia, and wage such mortal hostility about they know not what, have also their respective districts in Arabia. The Sunites rank foremost, having always had in their possession the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The Zeidites and the Beiari, two native sects, reign in the eastern territory of Oman. These, though they unite in acknowledging the authority of Mahomet and the Koran, have, like other religious sects, some differences, in virtue of which they account themselves the only acceptable worshippers, and all others as heretical and profane. The Wahabite sect, whose political influence had absorbed nearly the whole of Central Arabia, were lately the predominant people, but their contest with Mohammed Ali, and his triumphant success, have now reduced their power to a very low ebb.

Mecca, celebrated as the birth-place of Mohammed, is situated in a dry, barren, and rocky country, 40 miles inland from the Red Sea. It is entirely supported by the concourse of pilgrims from every part of the Mohammedan world. The chief

ornament of Mecca is the famous temple, in the interior of which is the Kaaba or house of the prophet, a plain square structure, built of stone. The most sacred relic in the Kaaba is the stone said to have been brought by the angel Gabriel to form the foundation of the edifice. The grand ceremony through which pilgrims pass is that of going seven times round the Kaaba, reciting verses and psalms in honour of God and the prophet, and kissing each time the sacred stone. They are then conducted to the well of Zemzem, situated in the same part of the temple, where they take large draughts, and undergo a thorough ablution in its holy waters. Another ceremony, considered as of equal virtue, is the pilgrimage to Mount Arafat, situated about 30 miles to the south of the city. The population of Mecca was formerly estimated at 100,000, but is now reduced to 16,000 or 18,000, the resort of pilgrims within a few years having greatly diminished. Jidda, on the Red Sea, serves as the port of Mecca.

Medina, 176 miles north of Mecca, is celebrated as containing the tomb of Mohammed, around which 300 silver lamps are kept continually burning. The popu lation is 6000. Yambo, on the Red Sea, is the port of Medina. Mocha, situated near the southern extremity of Arabia, is the principal port on the Red Sea, and the channel through which almost all the intercourse of Europe with this part of the world is carried on. The great article of export is coffee, which is celebrated as the finest in the world. The population is estimated at 5000. Sana, the capital of Yemen, is a handsome city, situated 128 miles north-north-east of Mocha, and the residence of the Imâm of Yemen, now tributary to Mohammed Ali, Pacha of Egypt.

Makulla, about 400 miles north-east from the Straits of Bab-el-Mandeb, has become, since the decline of Aden, the most considerable trading port between Mocha and Muscat. It is visited occasionally by American vessels for supplies of provisions, &c. The town has an imposing appearance, the houses being built in the castellated style, similar to the baronial residences of the middle ages, and are mostly three stories high. The sheik of Makulla is independent, and exercises authority over 10 or 12 towns in the vicinity. Farther to the north-east are the ports of Keshin, Seger, Morebat, &c., which are but little known, and seldom frequented by Europeans.

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is under the control of an Imâm, or spiritual prince, whose government is the most tranquil and protecting of any in the maritime parts, either of Persia or Arabia: he has several large ships of war, and his subjects are good sailors, and possess some of the finest trading vessels met with in the eastern seas. A treaty of commerce was concluded between the United States and this prince in 1835. All the ports upon the adjacent coast are tributary to the Imâm, as are also the islands of Zanzibar, Monfia, and Pemba, on the east coast of Africa; he holds likewise the islands of Kishm and Ormus, in the Persian Gulf, and a considerable extent of the Persian coast around Gomberoon, besides the ports of Jask, Choubar, and Gwuttur, in Beloochistan.

The town of Muscat is a general depôt for the merchandise of Persia, Arabia, and India: it is well fortified and surrounded by a strong wall, within which Arabs and Banians only are permitted to reside; all others must remain in mat houses without the gates: the population is rated at from 10,000 to 15,000. considerable trade is carried on by caravans with the interior of Arabia.

A

PERSIA.

THIS country, in the earliest times, was the seat of one of the most powerful Asiatic monarchies, connecting Eastern with Western Asia; and in later ages, acted with energy on the political system of Europe. Although abridged of its ancient greatness, it still presents many interesting features. The limits of Persia have been different at different times, and were formerly more extensive than at present, including the countries of Balk, Afghanistan, Candahar, and Beloochistan,

on the east, all which are now separated; and in the north-west, some districts have been annexed to Russia.

The boundaries of Persia are the Aras, or Araxes, the Caspian Sea, and the deserts of Khiva, on the north; a vast sandy desert on the east; the Persian Gulf on the south, and the Euphrates, Tigris, and the mountains of Armenia, on the west; extending from north to south 850 miles, and from east to west 900 miles. Area, 480,000 square miles.

Persia is bordered on the north-west and west by the mountains of Armenia and Kurdistan; on the north and north-east by the Elborz and Paropamisan or Ghoor Mountains, which are continued eastward into the great chain of the Hindoo Koosh. The country is also traversed by several other ranges, either independent or connected with the frontier chains. The interior consists of an immense dry, salt plain, and at least two-thirds of the whole country are composed of naked mountains, arid deserts, salt lakes, and marshes covered with jungle. On the northern, western, and eastern frontiers, are large rivers, but none of great magnitude traverse the country. The streams which usually descend from the mountains are lost in the sand, or formed into lakes. They produce, however. most of the fertility of which this region can boast, and, where abundant, render the plains through which they flow, beautiful and luxuriant in a high degree.

The plain of Shiraz is considered the boast of Persia, and almost of the East. That of Ispahan is only second to it. The provinces on the Caspian, watered by streams from the Elborz, are of extraordinary fertility, but the air is humid and unhealthy. The centre and south are entirely destitute of trees; but gardens are cultivated with great care, and the fruits are excellent. The wine of Shiraz is considered superior to any other in Asia. The mulberry in the northern provinces is so abundant as to render silk the staple produce of the empire. Other productions are grain, rice, cotton, tobacco, indigo, senna, rhubarb, opium, saffron, manna, and assafoetida.

The most considerable mineral production is salt. There are some mines of iron, copper, and silver; also turquoise stones. The Persians are to a considerable extent a manufacturing people. The principal manufactures are beautiful carpets, shawls, silks; tapestry formed of silk and wool, embellished with gold; arms, sword-blades, leather, paper, and porcelain. The foreign commerce of Persia is inconsiderable, and is chiefly in the hands of foreigners. Bushire, on the Persian Gulf, is the principal port, the commerce of which is mostly connected with that of Bussorah. Some trade is also carried on between the ports on the Caspian Sea and Astrachan. The main commercial intercourse, however, of Persia, is that by caravans, with Turkey on one side, and Tartary and India on the other. The Persians are Mahometans of the sect of the Shiites, or of the followers of Ali, and are on that ground viewed with greater abhorrence by the Turks than even Christians; but they are not themselves an intolerant people. The government is entirely absolute. The reigning king is regarded as the vicegerent of the prophet, and is absolute master of the lives and property of his subjects.

The Persians are accounted the most learned people of the East, and poetry and the sciences may be considered as their ruling passion. Their chief poets, Hafiz, Sadi, and Ferdusi, have displayed an oriental softness and luxuriance of imagery which have been admired even in European translations. Ferdusi is the epic poet of Persia: the theme of Sadi is wisdom and morality; while Hafiz has strung only the lyre of love. The latter is the most popular poet, though strict Mahometans scarcely consider it lawful to peruse his verses, unless after straining them into a refined and mystical sense.

The people of Persia are also the most polite of the oriental nations, and surpass all others in the skilful and profuse manner in which they administer flattery. They employ in conversation the most extravagantly hyperbolical language. Dissimulation is carried by them to the highest pitch; lying is never scrupled at, and their whole conduct is a train of fraud and artifice. Morality is much studied, though little practised.

This country is divided into the provinces of Adzerbijan, Ghilan, Mazanderan,