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142 142 THE MARITIME PLAINS.

feet, to heights exceeding 1,000 feet ; and the routes in the more elevated region would lead into the poor hills instead of the rich plains. The salient points in the higher range are : Sheikh Aly (alt. 1,367 feet) ; Keshm esh Shukkak (alt. 1,085 feet); Kh. Umm Kushram (alt. 1020 feet); Kh. esh Shelendi (alt. 1,130 feet).

Such is the condition of the ground connected with the investigation of the site of Gath, to which attention has been more especially given in the Palestine Exploration Fund Quarterly Statement for October, 1880.

2. THE PLAINS, LOWLANDS, AND LAKES OF THE JORDAN SLOPE.

In the examination of the Plains and Lowlands of the eastern side of the Highland of Western Palestine, it should be borne in mind that this division of the subject can only be treated partially, in consequence of the survey being terminated on the east partly by the River Jordan, and partly by the western shores of its expansions into lakes. But obviously, the features now coming under consideration embrace both sides of the water whether those features be plains or gorges or inland seas. It may therefore be de- sirable now and then to take the eastern side into view, on the basis of the information in existence beyond the survey. But after the misconceptions and inaccuracies brought to light on the west by the survey, it would be rash to venture far into the obscurity which lies beyond it.

At the commencement of Part II. a few remarks have been made upon the features of the Jordan basin at its origin, in explanation of these occurring at the northern boundary of the survey including the Merj 'Ayun, which is the northernmost of the plains on this side. The following notes on the Merj 'Ayun will be in continuation of those then made in connection with it.