fast at eight, and for about an hour at noon. The eight hours' movement has not yet been inaugurated in Jerusalem!
In conclusion, I must repeat that this is not intended to be a final and detailed report of the work begun during the last fortnight. Several interesting particulars I have left till the work is more developed. Thus far we have every reason for encouragement. The Government is most friendly. We are especially fortunate in having Ibrahim Pasha for Governor. He is a man of great intelligence and unquestioned integrity, and during his administration the country has been free from disturbances. The cool nights will, I hope, make it possible for us to bear the heat of the day, so that we may expect to work through the summer months, instead of being forced to lay by as we were obliged to do in our work on the plains. I hope (though I know this is not my province) that the work will be generously supported both in England and in America.
The excavations should set at rest a few at least of the controverted points of Jerusalem topography. And who knows but that we may make some unexpected discovery? When I think of the immense amount of débris turned over by Warren, when I visit the extensive excavations made by the Augustinians, and by the Dominicans, and remember how few interesting antiques and inscriptions the turned-over soil of Jerusalem has yielded, then I confess to a feeling of discouragement But then I think of the chance discoveries; I remember how the Siloam Tunnel, after having been measured by Robinson, Warren, and other great explorers, revealed its treasure to a run-away school boy; I realise that we hope to turn over the soil of the past ages in various places for a period of two years, that hid away somewhere in this soil there must be treasures and inscriptions, and I dare to indulge the hope that at the moment when we find ourselves the most discouraged a kindly fate may lead us to the object of our desires.
NOTES ON THE PLAIN OF JERICHO.
By F. J. Bliss, M.A.
During my stay in Jerusalem, awaiting the arrival of our new Permit, I ran down twice to Jericho, and was able to make some interesting observations. Our camp is pitched within a few yards of the work, and it is pleasant (though a trifle distracting) to write this report in my tent and look out occasionally at the diggers. At Tell el Hesy it was different; after the first few days our work was not in sight of the tents, and during the last season the camp was pitched three miles away from the Tell.
