THE ORIGIN OF THE ARMENIANS.
After the universal deluge, the three sons
of Noah, Shem, Ham and Japheth, fixed them-
selves for a period in the country about Mount
Ararat, upon which, it will be recollected by
all conversant with ancient tradition, that the
ark of their highly favoured parent first settled
on the subsiding of the waters. Here they
multiplied considerably, and the anger of the
Almighty against the sinful children of men,
being appeased, fertility again covered the face
of the earth, and peace and joy once more took
possession of the bosoms of its inhabitants.
Shem was the first to break the intimate union
which subsisted between the families of his
brethren and his own. Observing the rapidity
with which the little community increased, he
assembled his family, and communicating to the
several members of it his intentions, he bade
adieu to his brethren, and accompanied by his
