I have said, one is reminded of the Nativity by the convent. But, in truth, I almost think it distracts one from it. From the first moment that those towers, and hills, and valleys burst upon you, there enters the one prevailing thought that now, at last, we are indeed in the "Holy Land." It pervades the whole atmosphere-even David and Ruth wax faint in its presence.

XII.-FIRST VIEW OF JERUSALEM.

Next came Rachel's Tomb-a modern mosque, but the site must be the true one-and then, far on the top of the hill opposite Bethlehem, was the Convent of St. Elias, seen from Bethlehem, and from which I knew we should see Jerusalem. It is the one place which commands the view of both. We reached the spot from its broken ridge. I saw a wide descent and ascent, and a white line rising high-of I knew not what buildings-but I knew that it was Jerusalem. . . . What were the chief features of the approach? First, there was still the mighty wall of Moab; secondly, there was the broad green approach of the valley of Rephaim, so long, so broad, so green, that it almost seemed a natural entrance to the city, which still remained suspended, as it were, above itfor that white line kept increasing in height and length, as we neared it, yet saw not the deep ravines which parted us from it. The first building which catches the eye is the palace of the Armenian

Patriarch, then the castle, then the minaret over the