Page:An Introduction to the Survey of Western Palestine.djvu/244

228 228 THE SAMARITAN HILLS.

Like Wady Ishar, the Kanah generally hugs its right bank, which is formed by a range extending from Jebel et Tor or Mount Gerizim, to the Plain of Sharon at Hableh. This range affords a gentle incline between the Plain of Sharon and Nablus, and is consequently followed by a highway. Between Jebel et Tor and Funduk, the range throws off its waters northward to the Wady et Tin. But from Funduk to Hableh, its northern drainage goes to Wady Kalkilieh. A spur from Funduk divides Wady Kalkilieh from affluents of Wady et Tin, and also from the Wady en Naml, which belongs to the Kalunsaweh branch of the Iskanderuneh Basin. Indeed this spur and the range between Funduk and Jebel et Tor, form together the waterparting between the Iskanderuneh and el 'Auja Basins.

In the Plain of Sharon this section includes an isolated group of low hills, bounded on the north by the Nahr Iskanderuneh, and on the south by Nahr el'Auja. The Kalunsaweh branch of the former, and the Kalkilieh branch of the latter divide the group from the foot of the highland. It has been already noticed, as a part of the Plain of Sharon, with which it is usually associated.* But it seems probable that its connection with the highland was formerly closer ; and considering a future examination with reference to that relationship to be desirable, attention is here invited to it. These Falik hills support a considerable population, of bad character, but rich in horses, flocks, and herds. Mukhalid, or Umm Khalid, was a station of the Survey, with a fine view from Mount Hermon to Jaffa. Lieutenant Conder mentions an open woodland as still existing around Umm Sur, and both he and Mons. Guerin call attention to it as a probable remnant of Assur Forest, where King Eichard I overcame Saladin in a great battle on September 7, 1191, under the walls of Arsuf, the ancient Apollonia.f


 * See ante, p. 15.

t " Tent Work " ii, 213, 219 ; Guerin, " Samarie " ii, 374-388.