Page:An Introduction to the Survey of Western Palestine.djvu/209

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THE WESTEEN RANGE. 193

stream, until each of ' them bends at a right angle, and descends the slope to its confluence. They are perfect examples on a small scale of the lateral communication which is seldom wanting among hills or mountains.

Looking back southward, over the lower part of the western slope of Upper Galilee,, it will be found to present three distinct divisions, in consequence of the elevation of the central division which lies between Wady Ezsiyeh on the ndrth, and Wady Kerkera on the south. Between these basements, the spurs descend to the sea from the Western Range, where it rises up to the summits of Kh. Belat (alt. 2,467 feet), and Tell Belat (alt. 2,020 feet). It is how- ever the former alone that is the centre of the elevated spurs that distinguish this central tract. To Khurbet Belat may be distinctly traced the waterparting ridge which has oh its summit Birket er Rahrah (alt. 1,865 feet), and El Mejdel (alt. 1,375 feet). Near the latter place; the waterparting forks and divides the small Wady el Mansur from the great Wady Ezziyeh, and the minor Wady Shema. As el Mejdel is only two miles from the plain of Tyre, and but three miles from the sea, the descents into the plain of the spurs on either side of Wady el Mansur, must be somewhat abrupt. Another spur is denned by the village of Shihin, and Ktilat Shema (alt, 1,255 feet). It spreads out to a mile in width, west of the Kulat (castle), and concludes in the line of cliffs that has the Ras el Abiad (White Cape) at its southern end, and terminates the Tyrian Plain. About a mile nearer the sea than Castle Shema is Kh. Kermith (alt. 1,290 feet) on another spur apparently free frbm cliffs. Further south, Kh. Umm 'Ofeiyeh (alt. 900 feet) is only a mile from the sea. The spur on which it stands comes down from Kh. Belat through Shihin, El Jubbein, and Teir Harfa. The last spur of this central division is the most important of the series, and passes down from Kh. Belat, under the names of el Menarah, Tell el Kishk, and Jebel Mushakkah ; and finally reaches the sea at the famous headland of Ras en Nakurah, the Hewn Cape,

and Ladder of the Tyrians, or Sciala Tyriorum, of the ancients.