It is the principal source of the Abana river -- only one-half mile down to where it joins.

Beautiful place--giant trees all around--so shady and cool, if one could keep awake--vast stream gushes straight out from under the mountain in a torrent.

Over it is a very ancient ruin, with no known history -- supposed to have been for the worship of the deity of the fountain or Baalam's ass or somebody.

Wretched nest of human vermin about the fountain--rags, dirt, sunken cheeks, pallor of sickness, sores, projecting bones, dull, aching misery in their eyes and ravenous hunger speaking from every eloquent fibre and muscle from head to foot.

How they sprang upon a bone, how they crunched the bread we gave them! Such as these to swarm about one and watch every bite he takes, with greedy looks, and swallow unconsciously every time he swallows, as if they half fancied the precious morsel went down their own throats -- hurry up the caravan!--I never shall enjoy a meal in this distressful country.