'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.' [‎468] (553/905)

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beirut.
[chap. xix.
inhabitants, tains a mixture of Turks, Hebrews, Druses, Maronites, Mitaulis,
Ansaries, Ismaili, and Greeks, all located either as artisans or
agriculturists in permanent dwellings.
Ancient road. The modern towns and ancient remains, particularly in the
northern part of the Pashalik, are of considerable interest. In
the limestone promontory overhanging the sea, on the southern
side of the Nahr-el-Kelb, a narrow road appears, from an inscrip
tion, to have been cut by the Emperor Antoninus Pius to afford
an easier passage than that of the higher and more ancient
road. Along the remains of the latter have been cut several
antique figures, attired in the ancient Persian costume and wig;
and as many tablets with the remains of cuneiform inscriptions.
Town of BeMt. Six miles to the S.W. is Beirut, the port of Damascus,
and, commercially, the most important place in Syria. The
town is situated on a kind of shoulder, sloping towards
the shore from the north-north-western side of a triangular
point, which runs more than two miles into the sea. The
town contains upwards of 3000 houses, all of stone, well
built, and generally lofty; and some of the best display
the consular flags of different nations. The Bazar is ade
quately supplied for the wants of the Maronites, Muslim, and
other inhabitants, who number nearly 15,000 souls. The
streets are narrow, only moderately clean, and usually have
in the centre a deep channel of flowing water. The place is
enclosed on the land side by a substantial wall flanked by
large square towers ; besides which, three were constructed as
an additional means of defence in advance of the works, by the
Emir Fakr-ed-din. On some rocks at the north-western ex
tremity of the town are two castellated buildings to defend the
harbour, or, more properly, the anchorage, which is exposed
to the west and north-west winds. The innermost castle is con
nected with the town by means of a causeway, resting upon
arches of unequal size, partly constructed with ancient
columns; and through which the sea passes. Beyond the
southern extremity of the town there is a basin capable of con
taining four or five small vessels; and in its neighbourhood
are some cisterns excavated in the rock ; there are also some
portions of mosaic pavements and other remains of the city.