Page:An Introduction to the Survey of Western Palestine.djvu/235

219 MOUNT GILBOA. 219

Mount Gilboa or Jebel Fukd'a.

From Tannin and Eas Ibzik respectively, two ranges advance from the Samaritan Plateau in northerly and convex gent directions ; and they unite at Jebel Abu Madwar (alt. 1,648 feet). These embrace the southern part of Mount Gilboa, and form the separate summits of its south-eastern and south-western slopes. The village of Jelkamus (alt. 1,308 feet) is on the western range. From Jebel Abu Madwar the mountain is prolonged as a single range north- ward to Sheikh Barkan (alt. 1,698 feet). Then it takes a west-north-west course with a slight curve to its western end, where it divides into three spurs, which descend to the plain at Zerin on the north, at Sundela on the south, and at an intermediate point on the road between those places. Between Sheik Burkan and Jebel Abu Madwar, a broad and undulating branch is thrown off, which extends somewhat further west than the main range. It is occupied by the villages of Mukeibileh (alt. 313 feet), Jelameh (alt. 352 feet), Arraneh, Deir Ghuzaleh (alt. 738 feet), and Fuku'a (alt. 1,502 feet). The last is the place from whence the local name of the mountain (Jebel Fuku'a) is now derived. A spur of less length descends from Jebel Abu Madwar to Beit Kad (alt. 687 feet).

The slope of Mount Gilboa towards the Valley of Jezreel and the Plain of Beisan, is much shorter than its western side, it is indeed quite abrupt, and with little variation, except at Wady el Judid, and Nuris, near Zerin.

Between the two ranges of Mount Gilboa, which diverge southwards from Jebel Abu Madwar, there is a distinct series of elevated valleys, sometimes on one side of the main water- parting, sometimes on the other, and occasionally on both sides. Such valleys running laterally to the main water- parting range, are not confined to this part, for they will be found with unlimited variations of form and development, and with scarcely any interruption, as far southward as the Survey extends. Their importance in many cases, in facili-