"But patience!" thought I to myself; "I shall have more to endure yet; and if I return safely, I shall be as thoroughly case-hardened as any native." Our meals and our beverage were very simple.

In the morning we had pilau, and in the evening we had pilau; our drink was lukewarm water, qualified with a little rum.
From Beyrout to the neighbourhood of St.Jean d'Acre, the coast and a considerable belt of land adjoining it are sandy and barren.

Near Acre every thing changed; we once more beheld pretty country-houses surrounded by pomegranate and orange plantations, and a noble aqueduct intersects the plain.

Mount Carmel, alone barren and unfruitful, stands in striking contrast to the beauteous landscape around; jutting boldly out towards the sea, it forms the site of a handsome and spacious convent.
The town of St.Jean d'Acre and its fortifications were completely destroyed during the last war (in 1840), and appear to sigh in vain for repairs.

The houses and mosques are full of cannon-balls and shot-holes.