their destination of Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem.
On emerging from the valley (Wadi Arab or Shaikh) into the open Vale of ’Elah, we had Kharâs perched on an eminence close at our right, and Nuba similarly posted to our left.
Also the ruins of ’Elah were on our left, and far behind our left hand, in among the hills, on a commanding height, was Keelah.
We were now traversing the Valley of ’Elah, which runs north-westwards, and which I have described in my former journey. Now, as on that visit, I saw young shepherd lads pasturing large flocks as David may have done over the same ground.
This time, however, I had entered the valley from a different point—viz., from its eastern end at Kharâs, and not where Shocoh and Bait Nateef lie opposite to each other.
We then traversed the same country as then as far as the village of Khuldah, which is a very thriving place, and where, as usual, on the wide plains there are not many flocks of sheep, but herds of horned cattle instead, driven by men on horseback. This is an indication of insecurity, on account of forays of Bedaween Arabs, from whom on their approach they have to scamper as fast as they can.
The same insecurity is attested by each of these villages having its Shuneh, or little rude tower
with a breast-work, in which the peasants may defend themselves when in sufficient force to do so.
Next came Saidoon, where we obtained a distant prospect of Ramlah and Lydd, with Gimzo at the mouth of the Bethhoron Pass, (2 Chron. xxviii. 18,) and Ras-el-Ain still beyond, with its fountains and rich lands conspicuous on the Great Plain, backed by the hills of Ephraim. Then we passed the poor clay-built village of Deâneh, where the people were winnowing a large harvest of millet, and the Government tax-farmers with their soldiers, lent by the authorities, measuring the heaps.
Lastly, we entered the vast olive grounds belonging to Ramlah, and found our tents (which had been sent on by another road) just as the Moeddin in the minaret was calling to sunset prayers.