Page:An Introduction to the Survey of Western Palestine.djvu/80

64 64 THE JORDAN WATERSHED.

outlet of fountains rising along the eastern foot of the hills, above el Khalisah and en Na'ameh. Dr. Robinson considers the Banias stream to be twice the bulk of the Hasbany, while the Leddan is twice that of the Banias. Dr. Wilson found the Hasbany to be seven yards broad and about two feet deep. The Leddari measured ten yards wide and two feet deep. At Banias, Dr. Wilson only remarked that the spring appeared to be " about as copious as that of Dan." According to the Memoirs of the Survey, the Nahr Banias is the principal source, and the fountains at Tell el Kady are mentioned as one in " Memoirs," 17A, but not in p. 24.

THE HULEH PLAIN, MARSH, AND LAKE.

The confluence of the perennial streams which unite to form the Jordan of the Bible and History,* takes place on the Huleh Plain, described on p. 144 ; and the river enters the marsh and lake of el Huleh, at es Salihiyeh. Here are the Waters of Merom (Josh, xi, 5, 7); and Lake Semechonitis of Josephus. Both lake and marsh have been examined by Dr. Tristram who nearly lost his life in the marsh ; and by Mr. Macgregor who penetrated them at great risk in the "Bob Roy" canoe. Tristram's "Land of Israel," 585-590. Macgregor's " Rob Roy on the Jordan/'

The principal wady entering the marsh from the west drains a recess of the waterparting, which affords space for the plateau of Kades, the famous Kedesh of Naphtali. On the north of this plateau is one still more elevated, and having no outlet for its waters. It contains the villages of Meis, and its waters form lagoons in the rainy season. Robinson's " Bib. Res.," iii, 369. From the south-west angle of Meis plateau, the Kades plateau flanks the most southerly part of the Kasimiyeh basin between Meis and Aitherun. It is the recipient of several branches before it descends from the hills as Wady Arus. Another wady from the hills unites with the abundant waters of 'Ain el Mellahah,


 * As distinguished from its extension northwards throughout Wady et Teiin.