The sheaves seemed to be moving spontaneously, or to be propelled by the power of steam.
Frequently after a train of this kind has passed, lofty grey heads appear, surrounded by a load piled up to so great a height, that one would suppose large corn-wagons were approaching rather than the "ship of the desert," the camel.

The traveller's attention is continually attracted to some novel and curious object totally dissimilar to any thing he has seen at home.
Towards ten o'clock we arrived at Ramla, a place situate on a little hill, and discernible from a great distance.

Before reaching the town, we had to pass through an olive-wood.

Leaving our horses beneath a shady tree, we entered the coppice on the right: a walk of about a quarter of a mile brought us to the "Tower of the Forty Martyrs," which was converted into a church during the time of the Knights Templars, and now serves as a dwelling for dervishes.

It is a complete ruin, and I could scarcely believe that it was still habitable.
We made no stay at Ramda, a place only remarkable for a convent built, it is said, on the site of Joseph of Arimathea's house.
The Syrian convents are built more like fortresses than like peaceful dwellings.