'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎388] (465/905)

388
VALLEY OF THE ORONTES. [CHAP. XVII.
shrubs. The course of the chain from hence is rather west
of south as far as the country of the Druses, and it shows at
intervals the elevated peaks of Jebel Sanin, Jebel Rhuan, and
Jebel Baruk. It is almost entirely composed of masses oi
limestone, rising abruptly from the valley of Zahle and Baal-
bec, or Coele-Syria on the eastern side, whilst on the western
there is a succession of lower mountains forming wooded
basins and rich valleys, which extend from thence to the sea-
coast northward of Beirout. As the crests of this part of
the great range are covered with perpetual snow, they must
have an elevation of more than 7000 feet: on their steep
sides are forests of pines, oaks, and other timber, while at
intervals are plantations of mulberries ; and grain is cultivated
on a succession of narrow terraces supported by stone walls.
In certain places these little gardens completely encircle the
mountain basins for which this part of the country is so re
markable, giving to them, in consequence, the appearance
of gigantic amphitheatres, of which the scattered flat-roofed
cottages seem to form separations between successive rows of
seats. Rich and varied scenery of this kind interspersed with
convents, vineyards, villages and towns, prevails on the western
slopes of the principal chain (Jebel-el-Drus), which inclines
rather west of south, keeping usually at the distance of 12 or
15 miles from the coast, till, a little way south of Kal'at-esh-
shukifj it is broken by the Nahr Kasimiyeh or Leontes.
The valley of the U pper Orontes is confined on the eastern
side by a range similar and parallel to that which has been
followed along its western limits. A chalk formation, being
the continuation of Mount St. Simeon, or Sheikh Barakat,
skirts it in a south-westerly direction as far as the picturesque
town of Edlip, which has been thought to resemble Athens, 1
and proceeds from thence to Jisr Shuger. Eastward of the
latter place commences the stony platform of Rei'ha, whose
eastern side is broken into wide and rocky valleys, and which
connects the former part of the chain with the Atmenas or
Upper Shashalu. The Atmenas carries on the line to Kal'at-^U
1 Burckhardt 's Travels in Syria, p. 122. Murray : London, 1822.